For the past 96 years, the nurses, doctors and pilots of the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) have been no strangers to Western Australian grain-growers.
In 2023 alone, the RFDS WA crews cared for more than 3,500 people across the Great Southern, Wheatbelt and Mid West.
It may come as no surprise that the trend in retrievals for accidents and incidents in those regions shows a consistent increase around harvest time.
RFDS WA senior base nurse John Howes has been a flight nurse for almost 30 years and said some incidents of patients who were injured during harvest have stayed with him throughout his career.
"We meet a lot of farmers and their families throughout September and October, and unfortunately it's often in an emergency situation," Mr Howes said.
It can be tempting to take shortcuts and skip precautionary steps during busy periods, especially when you're working long days like our growers do. For yourself, your family and your employees, please be vigilant and take care.
John Howes, RFDS WA Flight Nurse"Prioritise getting enough sleep, follow important safety protocols like wearing a seatbelt or helmet and keep a wellstocked first aid kit. Our crews will always be there if you need us, but we hope you never do," Mr Howes continued.
The RFDS WA is proud to have the support of Australia's leader in the Australian grain industry, the CBH Group, to deliver the finest care to Western Australian growers and beyond.
CBH Group chief executive officer Ben Macnamara said the co-operative took pride in its long-term partnership with the RFDS WA.
We believe living or working regionally should not limit access to medical care.
Ben Macnamara, CEO of CBH Group"For more than a decade, theRFDS and CBH have worked together to be there for WA graingrowing communities when needed.
"In the spirit of this partnership, as we approach the busy harvest period, we encourage everyone to look out for one another to ensure everyone returns home safely each day," Mr Macnamara said.
