A personal note ...
In just 13 days from now it will be 24 years since CareFlight flew our first patient ... and a new era developed in patient-focussed Australian aero medical services and trauma treatment.
Now, more than 10,000 rotary wing patients later and approaching 20,000 patients all up (including the road, jet and fixed wing)CareFlight late yesterday opened a new chapter in our delivery of services to the community.
CareFlight is now providing the Top End Aero Medical Service through an interim agreement with the Northern Territory Department of Health and Families.
In addition to the jet and helicopter which CF has operated from Darwin for some years now, under the new deal we now provide DHF with four KingAir turbo prop aircraft, the clinical co-ordination centre and nursing staff.
Since the start-up late yesterday each of the new bases (Darwin, Gove and Katherine) has undertaken missions and the pace continues.
Personally, on behalf of all who have given their time, tears, devotion and determination over such a journey of development, it was with pride and emotion that I was able to take a deviation from my "walkabout around Australia" to be on the ground and welcome our new team to the new "CareFlight Katherine" base ... as per the photo of the former Norwegian Air Ambulance KingAir in its new environment and livery.
The photo of the aircraft's initial arrival at Katherine shows what you have supported and help achieve (it was on the ground less than an hour before heading off on our first patient flight from here).
-- Ian.
PS: Below is an extract from a note issued by our Aviation Business Manager, Steve Hughes, overnight after the Top End service came into operation:
"Helen Mason, A/Deputy Chief Executive, Acute Care DHF personally rang me this evening and asked that I pass on her thanks to each and every one of our team. She has been advised on the efforts that we have put into making this service stand up earlier than initially required and in assisting them to bring about these important improvements in service delivery to the communities of the Top End.
We have had a huge day with the fixed wings at each Base as well as the helicopter conducting missions. Night shift started slowly but is also developing into a busy time with one helicopter and fixed wing mission currently being coordinated.
Greg Ohlsson, who flew one of the helicopter missions today, also advised that the local community Clinic staff on Bathurst Island from where they picked up their patient greeted him with "CareFlight must have started on the contract already because we have never had such a timely response". It won't take long for the positive vibes to get out and significant improvements to be realised.
The huge effort from the AusJet team should not go unrecognised as they have moved heaven and earth to assist us in fulfilling this contract.
Everyone has, and is continuing, to put in 110%. I too, would like to take this opportunity thank everyone for the input that has been put into this project. It is a true testimony of how CareFlight pulls together to get the job done. The most important aspect for me is the total focus by all at CareFlight on patient care. So well done and lets keep the momentum up."
Steve's note, above sums up the future of CareFlight
Ian Badham OAM
Founding Director
CareFlight