Health Promotion - Western Operations
RFDS On the Road
The RFDS On the Road program delivers primary health care services to people living, working and travelling in the Pilbara region (commenced July 2004) and Goldfields Esperance region (commenced May 2008). The Pilbara region program is sponsored by BHP Billiton Iron Ore and the Pilbara Development Commission and the Goldfields Esperance region program is sponsored by BHP Billiton Nickel West and the Goldfields Australia Foundation. There is a high level of in-kind support with accommodation etc for some parts of the program from mining companies, local government and local business
A primary health care nurse and a project officer travel in 4WD vehicles to satellite mine and exploration sites, pastoral stations, Aboriginal communities, remote tourist facilities, roadhouses and isolated settlements running health promotion sessions on various health topics (see list below) and staff also run primary health care education and training activities at schools, hospitals, volunteer emergency service groups and at regional community events.
To date the On the Road program has provided primary health care services at more than 240 isolated locations; and delivered health education and training services to more than 11,500 remote Western Australia residents.
On the Road topics include:
- Management of the RFDS medical chests
- Remote area 1st aid training e.g. management of snake bite; giving injections; management of bleeding, fractures, dehydration etc.
- Basic life support training (adult and child CPR and EAR)
- Healthy lifestyle activities related to diet, exercise, drugs and alcohol, Injury prevention, mental health, prevention of chronic disease (Heart health, Cancer, Injury prevention, Men’s health), etc
- One-on-one basic health consultations to assess an individual’s health and discuss management strategies;
- Screening for health risks - assessments and management advice – skin cancer, obesity, nutrition, blood pressure, cardiac, cholesterol
- St John Ambulance First Aid Courses – 3 hour Basic and two day Senior First Aid
- Emergency evacuation preparation procedures for paramedics, ESO’s, health workers and volunteer emergency service personnel
- Airstrip survey and information on RFDS standards for day and night landing