Vast land connected by angels of the sky

The idea was to “wander out yonder”, but there have been a fair few blunders out yonder, too.

As West Australians took to the State’s roads and travelled its remote landscapes, a record number needed medical help.

It’s been a record year for Western Australia’s Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS), which has transported a record number of patients since July.

In July, it helped a record 844 patients, compared to 806 last year. In August, it air-evacuated 860, in September 896, and last month 850, compared to 796 the previous October.

So, in total, that’s 346 more patients transported between July and October compared with the same weeks last year.

And all from a not-for-profit organisation which relies on the public’s help and generosity to deliver essential health and emergency medical services.

IT’S PERSONAL

There’s nothing like firsthand experience to bring home the importance of a service.

Especially when it’s a life saving one.

And especially when a Flying Doctor turns up just when you need it.

Libby Stearne and Colleen Reid are both flight nurses with the Royal Flying Doctor Service — and they both know precisely what that service means to people.

Read the full story here.