Sixteen life-saving medical chests are now servicing rural and remote communities across western Queensland, giving communities peace of mind in the event of a medical emergency.
The medical chests delivered by the Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section) (RFDS) with funding and support from Senex Energy contain medication and first aid items that help community members provide medical assistance while they wait for clinical support from the RFDS to arrive.
Wandoan local Sarah Webster, who has a medical chest located the Somerset property where her family live, explained how it was an enormous peace of mind knowing that, in an emergency the chest was there to assist them and their neighbours until the RFDS could arrive.
“These chests are the difference between life and death out here,” Mrs Webster said.
“Everyone on the land knows the risks of being away from medical and emergency services, but this chest and the service RFDS offer is a game changer for this region.
“I hope we never have to use the chest, but knowing it’s there, is a huge relief.”
Senex CEO Ian Davies said the medical chest program was an extension of Senex’s long and proud partnership with the RFDS which began in South Australia in 2013.
“This partnership with the RFDS (Queensland Section) takes Senex Energy’s total contribution to the RFDS over the past 10 years to more than $1 million,” said Mr Davies.
“Supporting groups like RFDS that support our local communities like Wandoan is a no brainer and we look forward to continuing this support and more for many years to come”.
RFDS (Queensland Section) CEO, Meredith Staib said the medical chests played a vital role in helping the RFDS deliver world-class health care right across Queensland.
“The RFDS medical chest program is just another way the Flying Doctor has bridged the tyranny of distance when it comes to delivering timely emergency care to people in the furthest corners of the state,” Ms Staib said.
“We are extremely grateful for Senex Energy’s support in helping us deliver this care to the people of outback Queensland.”
