The Flying Doctor

Sarah Ward, a busy working mother, was not feeling great and had increasingly bad stomach pains, but kept putting off getting medical advice as she considered she had just overeaten rich food and needed a lie down and time to recover. She didn't want to use the limited health resources in her remote community, feeling they were needed for other people who were actually unwell -- but not realising she had a ruptured appendix and infection was spreading throughout her body. When this was discovered there was an emergency dash to get Sarah to Cairns for surgery and prevent her from losing her life. There is a morale to this story for all mothers out there -- look after yourselves.  Don't put off getting medical advice when things aren't right. You can't look after those you love if you are unwell, or are not around anymore. :) ++++ 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 me at lana.mitchell@rfds.org.au.  If you haven’t already -- Please do join our Facebook Group called the Flying Doctor Podcast Community and join in the conversation 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.

Living in far north Queensland is not for the faint of heart. Emma Jackson lives on Wolverton Station on Cape York Peninsula and in this podcast she talks to what occurred when a guest had a 'widow-maker' heart attack and how her life was saved, and also describes what happened when a large snake tried to eat her son while he was sleeping. ++++ 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 me at lana.mitchell@rfds.org.au.  If you haven’t already -- Please do join our Facebook Group called the Flying Doctor Podcast Community and join in the conversation 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.

Jacinta Jones has been a flight nurse with RFDS Queensland for 17 years and there is little she has not done or experienced. In this episode we get to walk in Jacinta's shoes and learn about the inner workings and 'behind the scenes' of an RFDS flight nurse. learn about the highs, the lows and what she loves about her job. ++++ 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 me at lana.mitchell@rfds.org.au.  If you haven’t already -- Please do join our Facebook Group called the Flying Doctor Podcast Community and join in the conversation 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.

Greg Keynes was mustering cattle by helicopter in a remote part of Western Australia when he experienced engine failure and shortly after found himself in a crumpled mess at the bottom of a gorge. He had a near-death experience but was luckily found and rescued from his perilous circumstance. ++++ 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 me at lana.mitchell@rfds.org.au.  If you haven’t already -- Please do join our Facebook Group called the Flying Doctor Podcast Community and join in the conversation 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.

Leanne Liddle is an Arrernte woman born and raised in Alice Springs, who tells of growing up in a racist environment, her work as the first Aboriginal policewoman in South Australia, her many touch points with the Flying Doctor, and her current work as one of our RFDS Board members in South Australia/Northern Territory. ++++ 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 me at lana.mitchell@rfds.org.au.  If you haven’t already -- Please do join our Facebook Group called the Flying Doctor Podcast Community and join in the conversation 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.

Jon is approaching his 80th birthday and has had a varied career. This podcast talks to Jon’s work at Jigalong, a remote Aboriginal community in Western Australia in the 1970s and his experiences with The Flying Doctor. ++++ 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 me at lana.mitchell@rfds.org.au.  If you haven’t already -- Please do join our Facebook Group called the Flying Doctor Podcast Community and join in the conversation 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.

Opal miner, Richard Hawkins, lives in one of the harshest environments on the planet - Andamooka in remote South Australia. Though he knows well the protocols to prevent deadly dehydration in the extreme desert heat, Richard has learnt some lessons in recent years... ++++ 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 me at lana.mitchell@rfds.org.au.  If you haven’t already -- Please do join our Facebook Group called the Flying Doctor Podcast Community and join in the conversation 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.

Kayla and Mia tell the story of a road trip where things took an unexpected turn when 7-year-old Mia, who had been warming herself by the fire and waiting for mum to cook dinner, stumbled and to prevent herself falling into the fire, she put her hand into a pot that was sitting on top of the coals. ++++ 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 me at lana.mitchell@rfds.org.au.  If you haven’t already -- Please do join our Facebook Group called the Flying Doctor Podcast Community and join in the conversation 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.

Sam Shearer is the registered nurse at the NSW Health White Cliffs Clinic, and works with and alongside the RFDS regularly. In this interview Sam talks candidly about the challenges and joys of health provision away from a big city hospital. ++++ 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 me at lana.mitchell@rfds.org.au.  If you haven’t already -- Please do join our Facebook Group called the Flying Doctor Podcast Community and join in the conversation 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 Kaysee was a young teen, her mother was diagnosed with a severe genetic lung condition, that without a lung transplant, would kill her. Kaysee tells the story of her amazing, strong and courageous mum. Learn more about how you can register for major organ donation here: https://www.donatelife.gov.au/register-donor-today ++++ 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 me at lana.mitchell@rfds.org.au.  If you haven’t already -- Please do join our Facebook Group called the Flying Doctor Podcast Community and join in the conversation 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.

Kate Napier lived on a remote cattle station and was expecting her second child. She was supposed to move into town four weeks early, but life got in the way and a week out from her due date, she went into labour and was more than 150km from the hospital.  The journey of the labour and then the arrival of Lilly was challenging in more ways than 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 me at lana.mitchell@rfds.org.au.  If you haven’t already -- Please do join our Facebook Group called the Flying Doctor Podcast Community and join in the conversation 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.

Glen tells the story of his father, Reginald Thompson, who worked as an electrical linesman in regional New South Wales in the 1970's, and suffered a severe accident that impacted him and his family for decades. +++ 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 me at lana.mitchell@rfds.org.au.  If you haven’t already -- Please do join our Facebook Group called the Flying Doctor Podcast Community and join in the conversation 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.

19 year old Mack and his mate Josh had been mustering out near Fitzroy Crossing in remote Western Australia when their car rolled and Mack found himself pinned, under the vehicle, with diesel in his face and injuries that should have left him dead. He and his mum Sally tell us the story of how he and Josh were found, and their lives saved. +++ 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 me at lana.mitchell@rfds.org.au.  If you haven’t already -- Please do join our Facebook Group called the Flying Doctor Podcast Community and join in the conversation 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.

Eliza Emmlin used to work as a governess on a remote station in Broken Hill. She now uses her background, skills and understanding of the challenges for 'govvies' to help them and much of the bush community with the RFDS Wellbeing Centre in Broken Hill. +++ 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 me at lana.mitchell@rfds.org.au. Particularly if you have a great yarn you think should be on the podcast. If you haven’t already -- Please do join our Facebook Group called the Flying Doctor Podcast Community and join in the conversation 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 is Seniors Week and over the course of this podcast we have visited many key topics related to seniors  -- but one episode in particular has resonated with us and listeners deeply. We revisit that original episode (#8) and also get an update from Scott Chapman, RFDS Victoria CEO, on Memory Lane services. +++ 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 me at lana.mitchell@rfds.org.au. Particularly if you have a great yarn you think should be on the podcast. If you haven’t already -- Please do join our Facebook Group called the Flying Doctor Podcast Community and join in the conversation 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.

Allan Cooney grew up on a cattle station in Queensland and has spent most of his career on the land. Now he is the CEO of Northern Australian Pastoral Company, overseeing cattle breeding and production across 14 stations in NT and Qld and we talk to him about safety, operations and sustainability. +++ 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 me at lana.mitchell@rfds.org.au. Particularly if you have a great yarn you think should be on the podcast. If you haven’t already -- Please do join our Facebook Group called the Flying Doctor Podcast Community and join in the conversation 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.

Alysia Cawthorn was illegally driving with her sister and friend in the car when they crashed and rolled. Her parents were told there was a 1% chance of survival.  In this podcast Alysia reflects on how her life was saved, the trauma journey over the last 12 years, her recovery and lessons learned. +++ 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 me at lana.mitchell@rfds.org.au. Particularly if you have a great yarn you think should be on the podcast. If you haven’t already -- Please do join our Facebook Group called the Flying Doctor Podcast Community and join in the conversation 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.

Richard Crowe and his brother Stephen were in a  high-speed Tasmanian rally in 2013 when their steering locked, the car rammed the barrier, flipped up and into a tree and then tossed back, before the car plunged down a 30 metre embankment, landing on its side at the bottom. +++ 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 me at lana.mitchell@rfds.org.au. Particularly if you have a great yarn you think should be on the podcast. If you haven’t already -- Please do join our Facebook Group called the Flying Doctor Podcast Community and join in the conversation 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.

We often say that someone is 'lucky to be alive'. That goes times three for Tourist Operator and Station owner Richard Kinnon. Hear about his three incredible survival stories and his lessons learned.  +++ 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 me at lana.mitchell@rfds.org.au. Particularly if you have a great yarn you think should be on the podcast. If you haven’t already -- Please do join our Facebook Group called the Flying Doctor Podcast Community and join in the conversation 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.

Jesse Cullen was with a group of likeminded hikers, exploring a remote gorge in the Kimberley region when a misstep resulted in a 4 metre fall and a leg being impaled on a tree.  +++ 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 me at lana.mitchell@rfds.org.au. Particularly if you have a great yarn you think should be on the podcast. If you haven’t already -- Please do join our Facebook Group called the Flying Doctor Podcast Community and join in the conversation 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.