Aeromedical Retrieval for Critical Clinical Conditions: 12 Years of Experience with the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Queensland, Australia

Abstract

Background: The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) has been providing emergency aeromedical retrieval services in Queensland, Australia since 1928. Study Objectives: This article details service and delivery structure plus a description of 12 years of experience managing patients with critical clinical conditions. Methods: This study is a retrospective longitudinal analysis of the demographics and diagnostic classification of all cases of critical clinical severity conducted March 1, 1994 through February 28, 2006. Results: There were a total of 72,054 retrievals, with trauma the single most common clinical diagnosis. There were 4259 retrievals for patients with critical clinical conditions (6%). The most common categories of clinical diagnosis were: trauma with 1493 (35.1%), respiratory diseases 1386 (32.5%), and circulatory diseases 908 (21.3%). Trauma accounted for 69 of the 90 (77%) primary retrievals from locations without health care facilities. The death rate in transport was 1%, with most of these involving males from locations with minimal health facilities. Conclusion: The RFDS in Queensland is an effective provider of fixed-wing aeromedical retrieval services, operating in an unusual environment with vast distances, low population density, and a high number of Indigenous people.