Royal Flying Doctor Service for islanders

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Coochie is remote enough to qualify for Royal Flying Doctor Service, which will give all islanders the option of calling RFDS any time of day or night for a telehealth session with an emergency physician.

Due to our remoteness and the lack of medical services available on the island, we have qualified for a Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) medical chest.  

The RFDS medical chest provides those on the island the opportunity to be treated for a range of medical conditions, including antibiotics for infections, pain relief prior to medical evacuation and more. Through this program, residents will be able to speak directly to a RFDS medical officer who will prescribe medication from the chest should it be required. 

Once we have the medical chest on the island, the following process can be followed:

1. The RFDS number will be shared with all residents. For immediate medical attention,  islanders can call the RFDS number.
2. A RFDS medical officer will answer and conduct a telehealth session and, if required, prescribe medication from the chest.
3. One of the nominated chest custodians will access the chest and provide medication under the guidance of a RFDS medical officer. 

Please note – this does not replace emergency services, and should you be in an emergency, please continue to call 000. 

We will also continue to see the normal doctor visits to the island, but this provides us with a 24-hour opportunity to seek medical assistance if it is required.  

As soon as we have this in place there will be a leaflet placed in every letterbox on the island with more detailed information.