The Flying Doctor

Very few fourteen-year-olds could claim to be successfully managing their own business...but Clay 'Squid' Bertram is no ordinary teenager. As well as being the entrepreneurial brains behind a unique range of custom-made sand boards, Squid has also spent the last few years clocking up some impressive, double figure fundraising totals for the RFDS Oceans to Outback fundraising challenge. Mentored by his marathon running Dad, Micheal (aka Big Bert), his music-loving mum Simone and his cabinet making grandfather, John - all incredible community volunteers in their own right - Squid now has his sights firmly set on topping the fundraising leader board for Oceans to Outback in 2024.   ***** Thanks so much the Flying Doctor Podcast. It is lovely to have you along on the journey with us. To learn more about Oceans to Outback just head to Royal Flying Doctor Service : Home (oceanstooutback.org.au) We recently celebrated our 100th episode and we hope you'll continue to enjoy at least another 100 episodes to come! There has been some wonderful feedback from listeners and those we have interviewed. Word of mouth is always the best promotion for a podcast – so if you enjoy this podcast, or a specific story, please share with family and friends. Reviews and ratings help our podcast to be found by others, so if you can take the time to do that it would be appreciated.  You can also send feedback, questions or comments through to podcast@rfds.org.au.  We'd also love you to join the conversation at our Facebook Group called the Flying Doctor Podcast Community See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From flipping a ute on a remote outback road, to experiencing the excruciating pain of an Irukandji jelly fish sting, our milestone 100th episode takes you on a compelling journey through the many inspiring, authentic Australian stories that the Flying Doctor Podcast has shared so far. Visiting some of the most remote and beautiful locations across regional, rural and remote Australia, the stories of our patients and frontline RFDS staff will take you on an incredible adventure. So 'welcome aboard' the 100th Flying Doctor Podcast episode, as we 'turn the tables' on podcast host Lana Mitchell and discover the rich and fascinating story of how outback Australia's favourite podcast came to be.  **** Thanks so much for listening to our 100th episode of the Flying Doctor Podcast. It is lovely to have you along on the journey with us. And we hope you'll stay with us for another 100 episodes to come! There has been some wonderful feedback from listeners and those we have interviewed. Word of mouth is always the best promotion for a podcast – so if you enjoy this podcast, or a specific story, please share with family and friends. Reviews and ratings help our podcast to be found by others, so if you can take the time to do that it would be appreciated.  You can also send feedback, questions or comments through to podcast@rfds.org.au.  We'd also love you to join the conversation at our Facebook Group called the Flying Doctor Podcast Community See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When we're stressed or anxious, the best advice is usually just to 'just relax and take some deep breaths'. But what if you suddenly simply couldn't breath? If every breath felt like you were running out of air? WA's Leanne Schofield recently experienced such a debilitating and prolonged asthma attack, that she truly thought she was going to die. **** Thanks so much for listening to the Flying Doctor Podcast. It is lovely to have you along on the journey with us. There has been some wonderful feedback from listeners and those we have interviewed. Word of mouth is always the best promotion for a podcast – so if you enjoy this podcast, or a specific story, please share with family and friends. Reviews and ratings help our podcast to be found by others, so if you can take the time to do that it would be appreciated.  You can also send feedback, questions or comments through to podcast@rfds.org.au.  Please join the conversation at our Facebook Group called the Flying Doctor Podcast Community See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the adrenalin pumping sport of Motorcross, there's an obstacle section known as a 'whoops' - which is basically a series of continuous bumps that racers can ride over, as fast as they like. This is the story of the day that Murray Collins hit a 'whoops' bump, that truly lived up to its name!  **** Thanks so much for listening to the Flying Doctor Podcast. It is lovely to have you along on the journey with us. There has been some wonderful feedback from listeners and those we have interviewed. Word of mouth is always the best promotion for a podcast – so if you enjoy this podcast, or a specific story, please share with family and friends. Reviews and ratings help our podcast to be found by others, so if you can take the time to do that it would be appreciated.  You can also send feedback, questions or comments through to podcast@rfds.org.au.  Please join the conversation at our Facebook Group called the Flying Doctor Podcast Community See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kelly Foran was eagerly expecting the arrival of her first child when she started experiencing issues with her balance and co-ordination. While Doctor's initially believed she was succumbing to pre-eclampsia, her eventual diagnosis was even more confronting. Just weeks before she was due to give birth, Kelly was told she had a brain tumour the size of a 'goose egg'. Some two decades later, this incredible country woman is helping other regional families to navigate the obstacles of accessing city-based medical treatments, through her 'Friendly Faces, Helping Hands Foundation'.  Kelly's Work - Board member of combined Clinical Excellence Commission and Agency for Clinical Innovation Community Advisory Committee, Board member of Clinical Excelle nce Commission Community Advisory committee, Board Member of two Local Health Districts Glen Innes and Tenterfield, Primary Healthcare Institute Executive Committee, NSW Consumer Leaders COVID Task Force, Community Consultative Committee for Justice Correctional Service, and Improving the Rural Patients Steering Committee. Awards - Finalist for RIRDC Rural Woman NSW;  Australia Day Awards; Nomination for Australian Of The Year 2012, 2013, 2015; National Volunteers Award 2013 from Federal Government;  Regional Community Awards;  Finalist top 4 in NSW RIRDC Award; Nominated in Telstra Business women; Named as 1 in 100 WWIA Australian Women in Agribusiness; Narrabri Shire Citizen of the year; NSW Women of the Year;  Barwon Women of the year 2015; NSW Women of the Year Finalist Rex Airlines 2016. ***** Thanks so much for listening to the Flying Doctor Podcast. It is lovely to have you along on the journey with us. You can find out more about Kelly Foran's foundation at Friendly Faces Helping Hands Word of mouth is always the best promotion for a podcast – so if you enjoy this podcast, or a specific story, please share with family and friends. Reviews and ratings help our podcast to be found by others, so if you can take the time to do that it would be appreciated.  You can also send feedback, questions or comments through to podcast@rfds.org.au.  Please join the conversation at our Facebook Group called the Flying Doctor Podcast Community  And if you haven’t already done so – catch up on our extensive back-series as there are some ripper yarns, incredibly brave and strong people, and many-a-story that are so typically Aussie in terms of resilience, innovation in times of crisis, and of course humour.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Galloway family were enjoying an idyllic summer holiday together, when their Esperance caravanning paradise was suddenly shattered. The forever smiling and always energetic toddler, Parker, was pushing his scooter around a small bend on the caravan park road, when he disappeared from sight. What happened next, is every parent’s worst nightmare. Two-year-old Parker was run over by a Landcruiser towing a camper trailer. The police officer who saw CCTV of the accident told Parker's parents, Emma and Ryan, that it is a miracle their toddler survived. **** Thanks so much for listening to the Flying Doctor Podcast. It is lovely to have you along on the journey with us. There has been some wonderful feedback from listeners and those we have interviewed. Word of mouth is always the best promotion for a podcast – so if you enjoy this podcast, or a specific story, please share with family and friends. Reviews and ratings help our podcast to be found by others, so if you can take the time to do that it would be appreciated.  You can also send feedback, questions or comments through to podcast@rfds.org.au.  Please join the conversation at our Facebook Group called the Flying Doctor Podcast Community  And if you haven’t already done so – catch up on our extensive back-series as there are some ripper yarns, incredibly brave and strong people, and many-a-story that are so typically Aussie in terms of resilience, innovation in times of crisis, and of course humour.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

RFDS Flight nurse, Ann Rahn and her husband Wayne are passionate advocates for the early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer. Ann wants women of ALL ages to understand that there are many different types and stages of breast cancer, that can impact women in any stage of their life. In the midst of Covid and working as a nurse in Darwin, Ann realised her breast was feeling sore. But having experienced no other symptoms or signs, Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer was certainly not the diagnosis she was expecting.   *** Thanks so much for listening to the Flying Doctor Podcast. It is lovely to have you along on the journey with us. There has been some wonderful feedback from listeners and those we have interviewed. Word of mouth is always the best promotion for a podcast – so if you enjoy this podcast, or a specific story, please share with family and friends. Reviews and ratings help our podcast to be found by others, so if you can take the time to do that it would be appreciated.  You can also send feedback, questions or comments through to podcast@rfds.org.au.  Please join the conversation at our Facebook Group called the Flying Doctor Podcast Community  And if you haven’t already done so – catch up on our extensive back-series as there are some ripper yarns, incredibly brave and strong people, and many-a-story that are so typically Aussie in terms of resilience, innovation in times of crisis, and of course humour.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's any grandparent's worst nightmare. To find your grandchild lying unconscious and unresponsive whilst in your care. But for Registered Nurse, Judy Treloar, the added logistics of trying to get her young grandson to a hospital, from the family's remote Qld property, also involved an unexpected helicopter ride across flood waters. Judy quickly realised she needed to stop 'thinking like a grandmother' and to start 'thinking like a nurse instead.'  ***** Thanks so much for listening to the Flying Doctor Podcast. It is lovely to have you along on the journey with us. You can find more information about RAM (Remote Australians Matter) at Remote Australians Matter and if you'd like to know more about the ICPA, you can visit ICPA | Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association There has been some wonderful feedback from listeners and those we have interviewed. Word of mouth is always the best promotion for a podcast – so if you enjoy this podcast, or a specific story, please share with family and friends. Reviews and ratings help our podcast to be found by others, so if you can take the time to do that it would be appreciated.  You can also send feedback, questions or comments through to podcast@rfds.org.au.  Please join the conversation at our Facebook Group called the Flying Doctor Podcast Community  And if you haven’t already done so – catch up on our extensive back-series as there are some ripper yarns, incredibly brave and strong people, and many-a-story that are so typically Aussie in terms of resilience, innovation in times of crisis, and of course humour.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite plenty of setbacks and heartbreak along the way, Julia Peterson always knew she wanted to be a mum. So, when her son Taylor decided to arrive into the world 'sooner than planned', Julia and her husband Ryan faced the challenge of a premature baby with the same incredible strength and courage they are still drawing on today. Because since Taylor’s birth, Julia has also faced not one, not two, but THREE cancer battles. Experiencing such a challenging cancer journey has now inspired this courageous mum to give back to others, one 'pocket heart' at a time...  ****** Thanks so much for listening to the Flying Doctor Podcast. It is lovely to have you along on the journey with us. You can find more information about Julia's amazing 'Pocket Hearts' movement at : https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559287598463&mibextid=LQQJ4d There has been some wonderful feedback from listeners and those we have interviewed. Word of mouth is always the best promotion for a podcast – so if you enjoy this podcast, or a specific story, please share with family and friends. Reviews and ratings help our podcast to be found by others, so if you can take the time to do that it would be appreciated.  You can also send feedback, questions or comments through to podcast@rfds.org.au.  Please join the conversation at our Facebook Group called the Flying Doctor Podcast Community  And if you haven’t already done so – catch up on our extensive back-series as there are some ripper yarns, incredibly brave and strong people, and many-a-story that are so typically Aussie in terms of resilience, innovation in times of crisis, and of course humour.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paige is a young mum, living on a remote station in the centre of Queensland. With two young sons, her hubby, a governess to help care for the kids and a few other couples also working on the property, Paige is a long way from her family network, and a long way from town and city services. When Paige started to have an unquenchable thirst she did not realise the severity of her health situation. ***** Thanks so much for listening to the Flying Doctor Podcast. It is lovely to have you along on the journey with us. There has been some wonderful feedback from listeners and those we have interviewed. Word of mouth is always the best promotion for a podcast – so if you enjoy this podcast, or a specific story, please share with family and friends. Reviews and ratings help our podcast to be found by others, so if you can take the time to do that it would be appreciated.  You can also send feedback, questions or comments through to podcast@rfds.org.au.  Please join the conversation at our Facebook Group called the Flying Doctor Podcast Community  And if you haven’t already done so – catch up on our extensive back-series as there are some ripper yarns, incredibly brave and strong people, and many-a-story that are so typically Aussie in terms of resilience, innovation in times of crisis, and of course humour.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are some strong and resilient women across rural and remote Australia, and Carol Godfrey is a wonderful example. Living and managing a large pastoral property in South West Queensland, Carol has seen it all.  One day in 2011, when she had to move 500 cattle to a neighbours property, the cattle were released (by another person) too early and headed in the wrong direction, resulting in Carol rushing to get her helicopter into the air. In her haste, she made a critical error and she was lucky to live.  Her accident has changed her perspective on life. Carol's mindset and mantra is that you can do anything that you put your mind to. And she is living proof! ***** Thanks so much for listening to the Flying Doctor Podcast. It is lovely to have you along on the journey with us. There has been some wonderful feedback from listeners and those we have interviewed. Word of mouth is always the best promotion for a podcast – so if you enjoy this podcast, or a specific story, please share with family and friends. Reviews and ratings help our podcast to be found by others, so if you can take the time to do that it would be appreciated.  You can also send feedback, questions or comments through to podcast@rfds.org.au.  Please join the conversation at our Facebook Group called the Flying Doctor Podcast Community  And if you haven’t already done so – catch up on our extensive back-series as there are some ripper yarns, incredibly brave and strong people, and many-a-story that are so typically Aussie in terms of resilience, innovation in times of crisis, and of course humour.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After packing up their city home in Perth to go on a sailing adventure, single dad James Brougham and his young daughters, Halle and Isla, have spent the past two years exploring, remote schooling & fishing along the stunning WA coastline, aboard their yacht ‘Salty Jocks’. In this inspiring episode, James explains why he decided to push his two daughters in a wheelbarrow some 500km, to raise money for the RFDS’s Oceans to Outback annual fundraiser. You can find out more about the RFDS annual Oceans to Outback fundraiser at Royal Flying Doctor Service : Home (oceanstooutback.org.au) You can also follow the Brougham family’s adventures (and check out James’s amazing drone footage & photos) at   Salty Jocks Adventure Co. SaltyJocks Adventure Co. - YouTube ***** Thanks so much for listening to the Flying Doctor Podcast. It is lovely to have you along on the journey with us. There has been some wonderful feedback from listeners and those we have interviewed. Word of mouth is always the best promotion for a podcast – so if you enjoy this podcast, or a specific story, please share with family and friends. Reviews and ratings help our podcast to be found by others, so if you can take the time to do that it would be appreciated.  You can also send feedback, questions or comments through to podcast@rfds.org.au.  Please join the conversation at our Facebook Group called the Flying Doctor Podcast Community  And if you haven’t already done so – catch up on our extensive back-series as there are some ripper yarns, incredibly brave and strong people, and many-a-story that are so typically Aussie in terms of resilience, innovation in times of crisis, and of course humour.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Emma Turner first discovered her seven-year-old son, Fred, had Type 1 diabetes, they were literally living in the middle of nowhere. The outback Queensland town of Blackhall even boasts a memorial to Australia's famous 'black stump'! But after Fred's symptoms suddenly became life threatening, Emma found herself sitting next to the pilot in the cockpit of an RFDS plane, with her gravely ill son on board.  ********** Thanks so much for listening to the Flying Doctor Podcast. It is lovely to have you along on the journey with us. There has been some wonderful feedback from listeners and those we have interviewed. Word of mouth is always the best promotion for a podcast – so if you enjoy this podcast, or a specific story, please share with family and friends. Reviews and ratings help our podcast to be found by others, so if you can take the time to do that it would be appreciated.  You can also send feedback, questions or comments through to podcast@rfds.org.au.  Please join the conversation at our Facebook Group called the Flying Doctor Podcast Community  And if you haven’t already done so – catch up on our extensive back-series as there are some ripper yarns, incredibly brave and strong people, and many-a-story that are so typically Aussie in terms of resilience, innovation in times of crisis, and of course humour.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When transport company owners, Ella Reindler and her husband Dave, set out on ‘one last trucking trip’ from Perth to the remote Kimberley, they knew it would likely be their last road trip together as a couple, before their new baby arrived. But nobody expected that, at just 35 weeks pregnant, Ella’s waters would break in the middle of nowhere and hundreds of kilometres away from any medical care.  What followed was an anxious overnight long haul to the nearest hospital, with a very pregnant Ella behind the wheel. ************** Thanks so much for listening to the Flying Doctor Podcast. It is lovely to have you along on the journey with us. There has been some wonderful feedback from listeners and those we have interviewed. Word of mouth is always the best promotion for a podcast – so if you enjoy this podcast, or a specific story, please share with family and friends. Reviews and ratings help our podcast to be found by others, so if you can take the time to do that it would be appreciated.  You can also send feedback, questions or comments through to podcast@rfds.org.au.  Please join the conversation at our Facebook Group called the Flying Doctor Podcast Community  And if you haven’t already done so – catch up on our extensive back-series as there are some ripper yarns, incredibly brave and strong people, and many-a-story that are so typically Aussie in terms of resilience, innovation in times of crisis, and of course humour.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The story of Gayle and Mac Shann has been featured twice on ABC's Australian Story and it has even been voted as Australia's favourite story. After Gayle's life-changing accident on a remote cattle station in Queensland, they have had to adapt to a new life, despite one arm being amputated and the other being paralysed.  **************************** Thanks so much for listening to the Flying Doctor Podcast. It is lovely to have you along on the journey with us. There has been some wonderful feedback from listeners and those we have interviewed. Word of mouth is always the best promotion for a podcast – so if you enjoy this podcast, or a specific story, please share with family and friends. Reviews and ratings help our podcast to be found by others, so if you can take the time to do that it would be appreciated.  You can also send feedback, questions or comments through to podcast@rfds.org.au.  Please join the conversation at our Facebook Group called the Flying Doctor Podcast Community  And if you haven’t already done so – catch up on our extensive back-series as there are some ripper yarns, incredibly brave and strong people, and many-a-story that are so typically Aussie in terms of resilience, innovation in times of crisis, and of course humour.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Barry was travelling with some work colleagues on his way back to Mount Isa from a remote mine site when the driver lost control of the ute, it flipped and Barry was left hanging from his seat belt.  When he released his belt he fell directly on his head, instantly felt pain and saw stars. He knew it was bad. ******** Thanks so much for listening to the Flying Doctor Podcast. It is lovely to have you along on the journey with us. There has been some wonderful feedback from listeners and those we have interviewed. Word of mouth is always the best promotion for a podcast – so if you enjoy this podcast, or a specific story, please share with family and friends. Reviews and ratings help our podcast to be found by others, so if you can take the time to do that it would be appreciated.  You can also send feedback, questions or comments through to podcast@rfds.org.au.  Please join the conversation at our Facebook Group called the Flying Doctor Podcast Community  And if you haven’t already done so – catch up on our extensive back-series as there are some ripper yarns, incredibly brave and strong people, and many-a-story that are so typically Aussie in terms of resilience, innovation in times of crisis, and of course humour.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Danielle and Boyd Keenan live with their two young daughters, August (Augie), 11, and Willa, 9, in Broken Hills, NSW. It is a community they adore and the home where extended family are, but when Augie was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in October 2019, the remote city they love  was a long way away from diabetes treatment. ******** Thanks so much for listening to the Flying Doctor Podcast. It is lovely to have you along on the journey with us. There has been some wonderful feedback from listeners and those we have interviewed. Word of mouth is always the best promotion for a podcast – so if you enjoy this podcast, or a specific story, please share with family and friends. Reviews and ratings help our podcast to be found by others, so if you can take the time to do that it would be appreciated.  You can also send feedback, questions or comments through to podcast@rfds.org.au.  Please join the conversation at our Facebook Group called the Flying Doctor Podcast Community  And if you haven’t already done so – catch up on our extensive back-series as there are some ripper yarns, incredibly brave and strong people, and many-a-story that are so typically Aussie in terms of resilience, innovation in times of crisis, and of course humour.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jane Oakley-Lohm is a central figure in the story of Marla, a remote township in South Australia that sprung up from a roadhouse created in the 1980's. Jane spent 11 years in Marla and admits she has red dirt in her veins. Though she found it lonely at times, Marla was also the hub of the district and anything that went wrong ended up on Jane's doorstep - which is just more proof that people who live in the outback are strong, courageous and caring people. ** This podcast includes a gory story and mentions suicide, so if this could be triggering for you, we suggest maybe skip this one and listen to the next one. ******** Thanks so much for listening to the Flying Doctor Podcast. It is lovely to have you along on the journey with us. There has been some wonderful feedback from listeners and those we have interviewed. Word of mouth is always the best promotion for a podcast – so if you enjoy this podcast, or a specific story, please share with family and friends. Reviews and ratings help our podcast to be found by others, so if you can take the time to do that it would be appreciated.  You can also send feedback, questions or comments through to podcast@rfds.org.au.  Please join the conversation at our Facebook Group called the Flying Doctor Podcast Community  And if you haven’t already done so – catch up on our extensive back-series as there are some ripper yarns, incredibly brave and strong people, and many-a-story that are so typically Aussie in terms of resilience, innovation in times of crisis, and of course humour.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have we become too complacent about snakes? Tom had been parked on the side of a rural road when he stepped out to greet his wife. He felt a small sting or bite on his foot, and bent down to see a small snake disappearing under his car. He was some 30 minutes from a hospital and thought it was no big deal, as it did not hurt. ******** Thanks so much for listening to the Flying Doctor Podcast. It is lovely to have you along on the journey with us. There has been some wonderful feedback from listeners and those we have interviewed. Word of mouth is always the best promotion for a podcast – so if you enjoy this podcast, or a specific story, please share with family and friends. Reviews and ratings help our podcast to be found by others, so if you can take the time to do that it would be appreciated.  You can also send feedback, questions or comments through to podcast@rfds.org.au.  Please join the conversation at our Facebook Group called the Flying Doctor Podcast Community  And if you haven’t already done so – catch up on our extensive back-series as there are some ripper yarns, incredibly brave and strong people, and many-a-story that are so typically Aussie in terms of resilience, innovation in times of crisis, and of course humour.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Melissa Domiati went to hospital to have her wisdom teeth removed and was not particularly  concerned or worried, but the routine procedure went terribly wrong when she had an allergic reaction to the anaesthetic. She woke up two days later, in Perth, in ICU and unable to move. Melissa's poetry can be found here: https://mybook.to/flowersfromthefarm  Details on Melissa's work with the longevity lab can be found here:  www.thelongevitylab.com.au   https://www.facebook.com/thelongevitylab.com.au  ******** Thanks so much for listening to the Flying Doctor Podcast. It is lovely to have you along on the journey with us. There has been some wonderful feedback from listeners and those we have interviewed. Word of mouth is always the best promotion for a podcast – so if you enjoy this podcast, or a specific story, please share with family and friends. Reviews and ratings help our podcast to be found by others, so if you can take the time to do that it would be appreciated.  You can also send feedback, questions or comments through to podcast@rfds.org.au.  Please join the conversation at our Facebook Group called the Flying Doctor Podcast Community  And if you haven’t already done so – catch up on our extensive back-series as there are some ripper yarns, incredibly brave and strong people, and many-a-story that are so typically Aussie in terms of resilience, innovation in times of crisis, and of course humour.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.