There was more to spot than just quokkas on Rottnest Island over the weekend with RFDS crews volunteering to provide first-aid care and support to Rottnest Running Festival participants over the weekend.
The RFDS is proud to be charity partners of the 2021 Rottnest Running Festival which in its 27th year attracted 1,800 competitors who took on marathons of varying distances.
Special thanks to RFDS clinicians Marianne Testi, Fiona Yard, James Anderson and Leesa Equid who represented the RFDS and worked with the Island's nursing post to provide medical care to patients.
"We were on the course and at the finish line treating patients. We delivered some important medical care which I think prevented one or possibly two aeromedical evacuations," James said.
"It was a positive experience to be able to work with and support the Island's nursing post. They understand our service and we understand theirs.
"It was a worthwhile project, giving us the opportunity to demonstrate to the community what we do. Operating on the Island fits with our service and is quite enjoyable. I'd certainly put up my hand to do it again next year."
The Flying Doctor in WA retrieves on average 53 patients a year from Rottnest Island. That's approximately one patient per week flown to safety.
