Today marks two years since the RFDS Fortescue Heli-Med Service EC145 helicopters joined the Royal Flying Doctor Service WA fleet.
In that time, just over 300 patients have been retrieved in the two helicopters, which fly within a 250 kilometre radius of Perth.
The helicopters have added versatility to the RFDS fleet as they can land on rooftop helipads at Royal Perth Hospital, Fiona Stanley Hospital and Perth Children’s Hospital, drastically reducing road travel time in an ambulance.
The helicopters have landed at 51 different locations including many sporting grounds in regional towns. The most common retrieval sites are Rottnest Island (53), Bunbury (34) and Narrogin (33.) The most common reason for retrieval is for patients with circulatory system issues (heart attack and stroke.)
Rotary Fleet Manager Elaine Cadzow says the rotary team is proud to play its part in the wider organisation.
“We have provided critical care to over 300 patients in the last two years and will continue to provide an exceptional service to the people of Western Australia,” Ms Cadzow said.
Fortescue Group General Manager Sasha Pendal says it’s an honour for them to support the service.“We know this service saves lives,” Ms Pendal said. “A multi-year partnership was important to us to provide continuity for such a critical service.”
Thanks to a Telethon grant, a bespoke engineering solution has recently been designed which will allow neonatal cots to be powered and secured in the helicopters, enabling the transfer of critically unwell pre-term and newborn babies.
Western Australia is the only RFDS section to utilise helicopters for patient retrievals.
