The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) (Queensland Section) is reminding Queenslanders to prioritise their safety ahead of the Easter long weekend.
While the Flying Doctor will always be there for you no matter where you live, work or travel across the state, there are a few things you can do to minimise the risk of injury or illness.
To keep you and your family protected at home or while travelling this Easter, we’ve reached out to our doctors and nurses to share their tips with you below.
1. Plan ahead
Easter is notorious for overcrowded campsites, caravan parks, and hotels. To avoid any disruptions to your journey, it’s best to plan ahead and map out your best fuel stations and rest stops before you leave. If the roads are busy, slow down, be patient with other drivers, and allow extra time for congestion or road work delays.
Before setting off, check that your vehicle insurance is up-to-date and consider any necessary roadside assistance coverage if you’re heading off-road or off-grid. Don’t forget to pack your recovery gear too, just in case you find yourself bogged in the bush!
2. Stay connected
Queensland is the second largest state in Australia, covering more than 1.7 million square kilometres. If you’re preparing to escape the city and explore the outback, we recommend packing some safety communication devices best suited for your trip.
These include an ultra-high frequency (UHF) radio, satellite phone or an emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) that will enable you to call for help if you are out of signal.
Don’t solely rely on your mobile phone, as some roads between rural and remote towns have limited or no reception. Be sure to tell your family and friends where you’re going too so that someone from home knows where you are.
3. Take rest stops
A good tip for driving long distances is to take a break at least every two hours. If you’re feeling tired, stop at the nearest town or rest stop to stretch your legs. Queensland is home to some of the best bakeries and scenic lookouts, so there’s an abundance of activities available close to our highways. If you can, try and share the drive to make the trip easier and avoid driving at night or dusk because that’s when you’ll see wildlife crossings!
4. Pack your medications
It’s always important to consult with your doctor about your medical concerns before travelling. Most rural pharmacies hold limited quantities of medications, so it’s best to pack enough of your medications to cover the length of your trip. If medical services are limited, you can always call 1300 MY RFDS (1300 69 7337) for telehealth assistance.
5. Travel with a first aid kit
Accidents can happen when you least expect it, which is why we recommend always being prepared by travelling with a reliable first aid kit. Whether you’re camping, on a long-haul road trip, or fishing expedition - first aid can stop an accident from becoming a tragedy.
Rescue Swag is an RFDS first aid kit that is fully equipped for any adventure. Each kit is specifically designed to withstand Australia’s harsh climate and features a water-resistant cover and durable clips so that you can easily attach it to quad bikes, horse saddles, motorbikes or more. The three pre-stocked modules tackle minor accidents, sprains, snake bites, burns, and even major injuries. Best of all, 100% of the profits go directly to the Royal Flying Doctor Service!
6. Tune in to RFDS Radio Queensland
Listen to the latest news, weather, episodes from the RFDS Podcast, messages from our very own RFDS Ambassadors, and music while you drive. RFDS Radio Queensland – Connecting Outback Communities and its distinct Aussie host, AI Joe, will keep you and the family entertained throughout the holidays.
Tune in via the iHeart radio webpage, download the app or listen in your car via Apple CarPlay. Have a song request? Send it to radio@rfdsqld.com.au and AI Joe line it up for you.
7. Make the most of the journey
The RFDS has a number of Visitor Centres around the country where you can visit to learn more about the work of the Flying Doctor. Stop into our RFDS Visitor Centre in Charleville, located directly next to our RFDS Charleville Base. The centre provides a range of interactive experiences where you can learn about the rich history of the world's first aeromedical organisation.
