The RFDS in WA sees an increase in calls for help early this festive season

The Royal Doctor Service of WA (RFDS) has seen an increase in calls related to accidents in regional WA during the past week. RFDS Chief Executive Officer Judith Barker is encouraging Western Australians to take care over the festive season.

Ms Barker said that since December 1, 534 patients have been transferred by the RFDS, with a marked increase in those seeking assistance for motor vehicle accidents.

“We have also been responding to a higher number of accidents resulting from holiday activities, such as cycling and snorkeling, including two patients injured in separate bicycle accidents at Rottnest Island and a third in the South West this month,” Ms Barker said.

“Many people are still working hard as we near the end of the year, and others are enjoying a well-earned break. We want all Western Australians to enjoy a safe festive season and encourage everyone to take care wherever they are - on the roads, at work or on holidays in our regional areas.”

Last year, RFDS crews provided urgent care for 196 people between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day across WA.

“Our RFDS crews will be working 24/7 across the state over the summer holidays to provide the best possible care when people need us most,” Ms Barker said.

“As we gear up for a busy Christmas here at RFDS, I thank our crews, our partners and our many supporters for helping us to keep flying.

In FY21-22, the RFDS retrieved and provided in-flight medical care to 9,771 patients across WA – approximately 27 patients each day.