A Very Special - Royal Flying Doctor Service
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SUMMER 2022
A Very Special
Delivery
Flight nurses Hayden
and Tara welcome a new
member of the family.
EMERGENCY ON QUEENSLAND HELLO AGAIN
THE PITCH HEROES An emotional reunion for
A local soccer game Meet the finalists in our Flight Nurse Timna and
turned medical emergency Local Hero Awards. her youngest patient.
for nine-year-old Jake.
01 CEO WELCOME PATIENT STORIES 02
EMERGENCY ON
The Pitch
New Year
Jake, reunited with the RFDS crew and first responders
HAPPY who saved his life.
A soccer game at “Jake’s coach was trying to who saved his life, including
Bargara Football Club wake him up, but he was RFDS Bundaberg Nurse
unresponsive,” Joshua recalls. Manager Robyn Langton.
turned serious when
nine-year-old Jake Paramedics soon arrived “It was quite serious and it
suddenly collapsed and Jake was taken to did lead to some critical care.
unconscious on the field. Bundaberg Hospital where I’ve been a nurse for over
I hope you enjoyed a relaxing break Support from kind people like you has
enabled us to constantly evolve, expanding doctors made the call to fly 20 years ... but it was a very
over the Christmas period. It’s every parent’s worst him to Queensland Children’s special case,” said Robyn.
and improving our service and the care we
I’m delighted to kick-off 2022 by bringing nightmare. Jake’s dad, Hospital in Brisbane.
provide. On pages 15 and 16 you’ll read Jake and his family are
you the latest edition of Your Flying Doctor Joshua, immediately raced
about the latest, exciting additions to our “They said Jake was born incredibly grateful to the
magazine. As always, we’ve got many exciting to his son’s side.
fleet made possible by you. without his left coronary Flying Doctor for being
stories to share.
And, for those of you entertaining younger artery attached. They said there, right when they
On pages 5 and 6 you can read all about an members of the family, turn to the middle it was a matter of when needed them.
emotional reunion that happened last year, pages of your magazine for some activities (this would happen), not if,”
Joshua said. “The service was fantastic, if
when Flight Nurse Timna was reunited with and competitions to keep the kids busy these it wasn’t for first responders
one of our youngest patients. summer holidays. It was already an emotional and the Flying Doctor ... I
I’m also happy to share the story of another As always, I’d like to thank you for supporting time, as it marked three don’t think Jake would be
very special delivery. Flight nurses, Tara and the Flying Doctor. Every time our crews years to the day since Jake’s here today,” Joshua said.
Hayden Wilson recently welcomed a new take to the skies, we know we can rely on grandfather passed from a
member of their family. You can read all the tireless support of our extraordinary heart attack.
Thank You
about baby Maggie’s rather sudden entrance Queensland community. Jake, with Nurse Manager Robyn Jake was flown by the
into the world on pages 3 and 4. Langton and Aeromedical Pilot
Flying Doctor to Brisbane,
Colin Summersby.
I may be a little biased, but I truly believe where he underwent bypass
Queensland is one of the most beautiful surgery and spent a month
places on earth. But it’s not only our in specialist care.
Your support
dramatic landscapes that make this state so
One year on, Jake’s back at provides life-
special, it’s our people. On pages 13 and
14 you can read about those exceptional Meredith Staib soccer and his life is relatively saving care for all
normal – aside from regular
individuals who have been shortlisted for our Chief Executive Officer Queenslanders in
Royal Flying Doctor Service trips to Brisbane for check-ups.
Local Hero Awards. their time of need.
(Queensland Section)
Jake, with grateful parents Joshua Jake and his parents recently
It’s almost hard to believe the Flying Doctor and Juanita. returned to thank the crew
has been operational for close to a century.
03 STAFF STORIES STAFF STORIES 04
Special
Hayden’s wife, fellow the hospital and were back “I suppose things escalated
RFDS Flight Nurse Tara, home by lunchtime the so rapidly I didn’t have Our flight nurses
A VERY was pregnant with their
second child. The couple
following day. much time to think about
it! But I also knew we were
provide expert care
in every and any
It was a whirlwind
was at home when Tara’s in very capable hands with situation – thanks to
contractions began. experience for the young my husband there, and you.
family and one that Hayden thankfully everything went
Hayden was on alert and will cherish forever. seamlessly!
monitored his wife carefully.
DELIVERY But by that evening, Tara’s “I had never thought I would
become a midwife. But
“I think it’s extra special Hayden completed his
contractions seemed to have Hayden delivered Maggie. Nurse Practitioner degree
slowed down. flight nursing was always my It’s definitely something thanks to the kind support
Like all of our flight nurses, Hayden dream job and midwifery we won’t ever forget.” of Bob and Bernie Dawson.
Wilson is also a trained midwife. But The couple decided to go was a requirement, so it
he never imagined his skills would to bed, thinking they’d became a natural career
be put to use quite so close to home. have plenty of time before progression,” Hayden said.
their latest addition to
the family would make an When he completed his
appearance. studies, Hayden never
imagined having to put
Suddenly, in the early hours these new skills to use
of the following morning, in delivering his own
at around 4:30am, Tara’s daughter!
contractions intensified.
Her labour was progressing “It’s an amazing skill to have
fast. They quickly realised and I definitely don’t regret
they wouldn’t make it to the doing it. It has made me a
hospital in time. better nurse and support
partner for Tara, that’s for
Hayden sprung into sure,” says Hayden.
action and made Tara as
comfortable as possible. For Tara, her experience
and knowledge as a highly Big sister Poppy
visits mum and
He called triple zero, but trained RFDS Flight Nurse
baby Maggie in
by the time the paramedics meant she knew what hospital.
arrived, Tara had already to expect. With Hayden
given birth. providing expert support
Hayden, Tara
and comfort by her side, and baby
Baby Maggie was born at she was able to remain calm Maggie appear
5:00am, with Tara ably throughout the birth.
on TV show
Sunrise.
assisted by husband and
midwife, Hayden. “Being a registered nurse
and midwife, I am very
Big sister Poppy woke up aware of the complications
just in time to give her new that can arise for both
little sister a quick cuddle mum and baby during and
before they were taken after labour delivery, but
to hospital. Mum and bub surprisingly I felt completely
Hayden with baby were given the once over at calm and at ease,” Tara said.
daughter Maggie.
Reunion
05 RFDS FLIGHT NURSES RFDS FLIGHT NURSES 06
AN EMOTIONAL
It was a reunion four including delivering her new RFDS Flight Nurse Timna for
years in the making. baby boy, Angus. the first time.
During a transfer from Hugh remembers that Overwhelmed with emotion,
Cloncurry to Mount Isa in unforgettable moment, like it Timna appreciated the
2017, Lucy Westcott gave was yesterday: family’s heartfelt thank you.
birth to her little boy Angus
“Timna was there, taking “It’s a fairly rare occurrence
in the back of an RFDS
excellent care of Luce. Then to catch up with someone
aircraft!
next thing, about six minutes you’ve helped birth … it’s
Lucy’s waters broke suddenly in, we’re about 4,000 feet in really nice.”
at just 34 weeks and she the air between Cloncurry
and Mount Isa and ... out he Timna recalls Hugh’s reaction
was flown to Mount Isa, with
came.” during that eventful flight:
husband Hugh by her side.
Flight Nurse, Timna Wright, enjoyed a
Almost four years to the day, “When Angus came out, I very special visit from Lucy, Hugh, Angus
On board, RFDS Flight Nurse and his two little brothers.
the couple reunited with remember looking at Hugh
Timna looked after Lucy,
and he had this sort of face
of ‘Well, is everything OK?’
and I remember saying ‘It’s And despite the arrival of “It was a very special regional, rural and remote
all good, it’s all good’ ... and Angus occurring slightly earlier moment. It could have Queensland.
he was.” than planned, just six minutes easily gone the other way,
into what should have been a so we’re very, very lucky “There’s so many people I
Timna, who now works with 12-minute flight, Timna said that out in the bush we do know that have been picked
the RFDS Outback Mental they were well prepared: have the Flying Doctor.” up or taken care of thanks
Health team, said working to the Flying Doctor and
as a Flight Nurse had been “If babies are going to come, Lucy echoed Hugh’s they get to medical care
a “pretty amazing” career they’ll come! The biggest sentiment. quickly and efficiently. It
opportunity. difference with a flight is that saves a lot of lives.”
you can’t just pull over to the “We’re very lucky to have
side of the road. Once you RFDS. Without them, who
are flying you are committed. knows what might have
happened. We are lucky
Thanks to You
Once you close those doors
and are up in the air, you’ve Timna was able to deliver
got to be prepared for him safely and everything
anything.” went according to plan.”
RFDS flight nurses
It’s a moment this family
Dad, Hugh has a Hugh knows how lucky he like Timna provide
and Lucy are to have been in will never forget. For
first cuddle with
world-class care, on
baby Angus while
the caring, expert hands of Hugh, it also highlights the
still onboard an importance of providing land and in the air!
RFDS aircraft. Timna and her team that day.
medical care across
07 REAL LIFE STORIES
ki d s p
Prizes to
AN ‘ANGEL OF THE SKY’
Spot the be won!
ull
GIVES NEWBORN TWINS A Can you spot the FIVE DIFFERENCES
difference
-o
Chance at Life
between the two images? Circle what’s
ac
ut
changed on the image to the right.
t iv i
t ies
Nikiha, with twins, Nash and Reuben.
When Nikiha gave birth The Flying Doctor flew
the end of this month, they
to twin boys Nash and Nikiha to hospital, with
will celebrate their second
Flight Nurse Jeanie taking
Reuben at just 25 weeks, birthday. Nikiha is incredibly
exceptional care of her on
they were clinging to life board. Today, Nikiha still calls
grateful for the support they
by a thread. all received from the Flying
Jeanie her ‘angel of the sky’.
Doctor.
They were both so tiny, each
“I knew that whatever
smaller and lighter than a Your support makes life-
happened during that
bag of sugar. saving flights like this one
journey, my babies were
possible.
Nikiha’s pregnancy had been as safe as they possibly
trouble-free until 18 weeks, could be. And that meant
everything in the world to
Thank You
when her babies were
diagnosed with ‘Twin-to- me,” recalls Nikiha.
Twin Transfusion Syndrome’.
Thankfully, the twins held
Without immediate surgery, to everyone who
on during that flight until
it was certain she’d lose
they were safely delivered 36 sent Nikiha, Nash
them both.
hours later in the Neonatal and Reuben your
The operation went well, Intensive Care Unit.
well wishes and kind A A A R U U S C O R O Y A L D
wordsearch
but just seven weeks later, messages of support. A J E I Q X R U D N N U Y Q T
Today, the twins are happy,
Nikiha’s waters broke.
healthy and thriving and at W E N R B J X U N C A J D P F
P S O Q O B F D N D A N R E H There are ten words hidden
J A U S A M D D P W U H R D A in the grid. Search up, down,
forwards, backwards and
F M T W C M E O Z Q A E K P I
diagonally for the words.
U M B I K N W D C T M Y Z R R Can you find them all?
P A A G E F U F I T F J T Y C
V K C V M N M R L C O U X U R
A D K Z V Q T Z S Y A R W Z A AEROMEDICAL PILOT
M K P A M Q I F J E I L X S F DOCTOR PATIENT
M X I B B N O U W C Y N O X T NURSE RUNWAY
Y T L U H O U R P B R D G W O AIRCRAFT OUTBACK
Q D O Z T N Q T F J V X K M H FLYING ROYAL
Peyton couldn't wait to have her
baby brothers back home. The twins travelled in a special neo-natal incubator.
L V T R M Q H K H D S C A A X
Turn over
RFDS quiz
On pages 14 and 15 of this magazine you can read all about our Local Hero Awards.
See if you can find the answers to the questions below:
1. How many Facebook followers does 18-year-old Sam Hughes have?
2. How many years has Bodhi Wochnik been raising funds for the
Flying Doctor?
My Name:
My Age:
3. Which RFDS Base did nurse Justine Collins call for help, when local man
Paul was trapped against a fence?
Colouring competition
Did you find what you were looking for?
Answers at the bottom of the page.
Competition time!
3 PRIZES
TO BE
WON!
Winning
image to be
displayed
On the next two pages you’ll find our colouring and drawing at RFDS
competition. Simply colour in our friendly aircraft, or draw a Brisbane
Base
Flying Doctor picture of your own.
Add your name and age in the space at the top of the page.
Then pop your drawing into the envelope provided or send it to us at:
Email: ceo@rfdsqld.com.au
Mail: Kids Competition, Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia
(Queensland Section) Reply Paid 64275, Brisbane Airport QLD 4008
3. Mount Isa 2. 10 years 1. 80,000 followers
REAL LIFE STORIES 12
AN ORDINARY DAY TAKES A
Terrifying Turn
My Age:
Garry with his family.
Tuesday 14th of May
I love RFDS because:
2019 started out just
like any other day at
My Picture is:
work for Queenslander,
Garry Sheehey.
My Name:
Garry was out in Biloela,
working for a tree lopping Garry needed extensive
surgery to reconstruct
company. his right leg.
He was hard at work when
a tree he was working on Garry doesn’t remember Doctor around, I’d donate,”
twisted and pinned him to much about the flight, said Garry.
Use the space below to draw your own picture of the Flying Doctor.
the ground. or those first few days in
hospital. Garry got his chance when
Drawing competition
The pain was excruciating. he spotted our fundraisers
Garry reached down into his “My leg was in a bad way,” at his local shopping centre.
pocket for his phone and says Garry. He immediately joined
called an ambulance. our Support Crew with a
“They put 18 screws in my monthly gift.
“Help, I’m stuck under a knee and a plate on my
tree!” he told the operator. femur, which was screwed
Thank You
into my hip. And that was
An ambulance was just the start of it.”
immediately dispatched from
Biloela Hospital. Terry, the Garry endured nine
ambulance driver stayed with operations over the course
to all members of our
Garry all day. of 11 days, and it’s been a
long road to recovery for Support Crew. Your
“I remember Terry saying, the dad of six. regular support saves
‘you’re safe’ and then it gets
lives.
foggy after that,” recalls Garry. He credits his wife and kids
for helping him get through
Garry was given strong some of the toughest times.
painkillers while medics He also knows, without the If you’d like to join
worked to put his leg into Flying Doctor, things could our Support Crew
traction. It was obvious Garry have been very different. like Garry, visit
urgently needed surgery. The flyingdoctor.org.au/
Flying Doctor was called to “After the accident, I swore qldsupportcrew or scan the
fly Garry to Rockhampton. if I ever saw the Flying QR code.
13 LOCAL HEROES LOCAL HEROES 14
Local Legends
Principal Partner
KEEPING THE FLYING
DOCTOR IN THE SKIES
RFDS Local Hero Awards
proudly supported by
Ergon Energy Retail.
Every year, our BUNDABERG – Bodhi healthcare services within flew ‘Crusty’ to Longreach until help arrived, ultimately daughter Zara, who was just
Local Hero Awards Wochnik the community. so he could spend his final saving his life. seven months old when she
Bodhi has been fundraising days at home. An annual died from a rare disease.
recognise exceptional CHARLEVILLE – The Bauer ROCKHAMPTON –
for the Flying Doctor for tournament is held at the The RFDS flew Zara and
Queenslanders who almost 10 years, as a way to Family Longreach Bowls Club in Bronwyn Fitzgerald and her family to hospital on
have given their time give back to the service that Since 1999, Graham and memory of David, with all Colleen Timms two occasions and Zara’s
and energy to support has helped several members Rosslyn Bauer have donated proceeds donated to the Bronwyn and mum, Colleen Day has raised more than
of his family over the years. the proceeds from their RFDS. have been knitting toys all $178,000 for the Flying
their local community
The annual raft race Bodhi cattle sales to the Flying year round for the annual Doctor.
and the Flying Doctor. Doctor. Their son Matthew MOUNT ISA – Justine Woolworths’ Toy Drive in
started has raised more
Here are their and his wife, Amanda Collins support of the RFDS. Since TOWNSVILLE – Merle Prince
than $13,800 since 2014
extraordinary stories: and continues to go from have continued the family Justine Collins is one of 2015, the drive has raised and Blankets of Love
strength to strength each tradition, donating $17,000 two nurses working in more than $2.5 million for Blankets of Love was
BRISBANE – Sam Hughes the remote community established by Nola Hills
year. from the proceeds of their the Flying Doctor. Bronwyn
18-year-old Sam Hughes of Dajarra and relies on after the passing of her
last sale. works for Woolworths as a
from Maleny trekked around CAIRNS – Karen Koko the Flying Doctor for grandson. The group
cashier and is continuously
Australia in his old tractor, Cape York local Karen is a LONGREACH – David Crust support as she cares for includes many women
helping to raise money for
towing a trailer with a replica trusted community leader For almost a decade, long- the community. Justine coming together to create
the RFDS.
RFDS aircraft on top. Sam who provides regular advice time supporter David Crust recently called our Mount beautiful quilts for the RFDS.
now has 80,000 Facebook and assistance to families in participated in treks and Isa Base for help when local ROMA – The Boshammer Quilts are made in various
followers and has done a crisis. RFDS staff in Cairns organised local bowls club man Paul became trapped Family sizes and they provide
wonderful job in promoting say “nothing would happen raffles to raise money for against a fence by a bull. The Boshammer family held comfort to young patients
and raising awareness for the without Karen” and she is the Flying Doctor. After Her swift actions meant she Zara’s Day on 16 November when they access the Flying
Flying Doctor in Queensland. pivotal in helping deliver battling cancer, the RFDS was able to keep Paul stable 2020 in memory of their Doctor.
Brisbane Bundaberg Cairns Charleville Longreach Mount Isa Rockhampton Roma Townsville
Thank
You
to all our
amazing
Local
Heroes.
15 RFDS FLEET RFDS FLEET 16
RFDS (Queensland Section)
Head of Flying Operations
THANKS TO YOU, WE’RE Shane Lawrey says the
New Aircraft
WELCOMING updated turboprop aircraft
feature technological
advancements in the cockpit,
as well as enhancements to
patient comfort.
“The auto throttle
automatically manages
engine power ... this
The first of six new The new aircraft are part of enhancement reduces pilot
Beechcraft King Air a larger 10-year replacement workload and supports them
strategy to ensure our crews to prevent over-speed or
360CHW turboprop
can operate in optimum under-speed, over-temp and
aircraft has just arrived conditions. Ultimately, this over-torque conditions,”
in Brisbane. They are will ensure we can continue explains Shane.
the first of their kind in to deliver world-class
Australia! aeromedical retrievals and “Another update in the
healthcare to regional, rural cockpit is the new digital
and remote Queenslanders. pressurisation controller,
which automatically
Your support means we’re schedules cabin
overall patient comfort,” he Expanding our fleet ensures King Air is an obvious choice:
investing in the latest pressurisation during climb
said. we can reach the furthest
aeromedical technology. and descent and increasing “The Beechcraft King Air
corners and save even more
We’re reaching the furthest lives. is perfectly designed for
corners, thanks to you. our crucial operations.
As one of the world’s largest The King Air is the world
In FY 2020/21, our fleet and most comprehensive leader in twin-turboprop
travelled over 8.3 million aeromedical organisations, special missions because
kilometres, landing 22,587 it’s vital the RFDS remains of the aircraft’s unmatched
times and amassing more future fit as we near 100 capabilities. In an emergency,
than 24,000 flight hours. years of operation. every minute matters, so it’s
crucial we have a fast and
Expert medical care when reliable aircraft.”
every minute matters —
thanks to you.
With fit-out of the first
aircraft commencing soon,
we’re aiming to have two of
Thanks to You
the six aircraft operational by we can invest in the
the end of this year. world-leading aircraft
we need to save lives.
And, according to Shane
when it comes to aircraft, the
Principal Partner Together we connect regional, rural and remote Queenslanders
to the critical care they need. Proud partners of the RFDS since 2009.
17 RFDS HERO RECIPES 18
A LIFELONG LOVE FOR ORANGE SUMMER
The Land Clive at the dig tre
e.
Slaw
¼ red cabbage, shredded
1 Granny Smith apple, diced
1 red pepper, diced
Clive knows there’s an
1 orange
ongoing need for RFDS in
2 celery sticks, sliced
many regional, rural and
1 tbspn. sultanas
remote communities.
His son-in-law is an air traffic METHOD:
controller and keeps him Peel and slice orange. Combine
Clive used to go on family
updated with how busy the cabbage, pepper, celery and sultanas.
trips around Queensland with
Flying Doctor aircraft are. Add orange and apple. Sprinkle with
his children and even his older
coleslaw dressing and serve.
parents. He knew travelling “He gives me an update EM
ANTLE O
F
H
around the state increased occasionally on how busy
T
SA
FROM
FET Y
Clive, with his wife and their his chances he might need the Flying Doctor has been SUMMER
five grandkids.
the Flying Doctor in an on a particular day coming RECIPES
emergency, so he made sure in and out of the Brisbane FD
ROCKMELON AND HAM
K
R
SC O
Long-term Flying OOKBO
Salad
he always carried a HF radio Base”.
Doctor supporter and with him – he still does today.
adventurer, Clive, Clive has decided to leave a
Clive is passionate about gift in his Will to RFDS.
loves nothing more supporting remote
than packing up and communities when they Although he is retired now
heading out to explore need it most. and has limited funds to
Queensland’s remote spare, Clive is still passionate 2 cups rockmelon balls
In 1990, floods devastated about supporting RFDS 4 slices parma ham
communities.
Charleville. Rather than and he wants to ensure his 1 pkt. (30oz.) cream cheese
Clive has been supporting donating to the flood gifts will continue making a ¼ cup salad dressing or mayonnaise
RFDS for more than 30 years. relief fund, Clive wanted to difference for years to come. Rocket
support RFDS instead. Berries to decorate
Growing up, he often visited "And that's what I say, once
his uncle's cattle property “I thought, I’ll just send some you travel outback a lot you
extra cash to the Flying METHOD:
at Biloela. This sparked an realize more and more...
interest in traveling further Doctor in Charleville because I Without the Flying Doctor Mash cream cheese, blend in
west and in 1970, when 17 know they’re going to need it.” where would you be?" mayonnaise or salad dressing.
years old, Clive purchased Combine with melon balls. Tear
his first of many many four- parma ham into strips and place on
wheel drives. If you would like to find out more about top of melon. Serve on rocket leaves
leaving a gift to the Flying Doctor in your and decorate with seasonal berries.
It wasn’t long before he Will, please contact Heather Stott,
grew a strong affinity for life Key Relationships Manager on
on the landand those who 07 3852 7586 | hstott@rfdsqld.com.au Do you have a special recipe you'd love to share?
live in the outback. Email your recipe, and a photo of the finished dish, to donations@rfdsqld.com.au.
The top 2 dishes will feature in the next edition of Your Flying Doctor magazine.A YEAR IN THE LIFE OF THE
Flying Doctor
IN QUEENSLAND
12,319 16,396 3,316 12,156
patients transported telehealth immunisations mental health
(by air and road) consultations consultations
259 8,375,348 20 24,279
dental clinics kilometres flown aircraft hours flown
OUR PRINCIPAL PARTNERS
The Royal Flying Doctor Service is committed to eliminating all forms of
Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section) discrimination in the provision of healthcare. We embrace diversity and
welcome all people irrespective of faith, ethnicity, sexual orientation
12 Casuarina Street, BRISBANE AIRPORT QLD 4008 or gender identity.
Ph: 07 3852 7515 E: donations@rfdsqld.com.au Royal Flying Doctor Service acknowledges the Australian Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants of the nation
flyingdoctor.org.au/qld and the traditional custodians of this land.You can also read
