News

Flying Doctors on Boats to Rescue Swimmers

A group of two volunteer doctors and two nurses from the Royal Flying Doctor Service will be aboard rescue vessels during the Rottnest Channel Swim, in case swimmers need emergency treatment during the event.

“We’ll be on the water in rescue vessels right from the beginning at 0500 till the final swimmer arrives at Rottnest, ready to help should a problem arise,” said RFDS Clinical Educator, Adrian Large, who encouraged the staff to volunteer on their day off. 

“We’re expecting approx 2,500 swimmers with 880 support vessels,” Mr Large said, “so our medical kits are well prepared for any serious cuts or abrasions during the initial flurry as competitors enter the fray.”

The teams, on Fremantle volunteer sea rescue vessels “R 100” and “Reliant” will also have a defibrillator, in case of cardiac arrests, and the medical staff will be on the look out for swimmers with hypothermia, sea sickness, exhaustion and jelly fish stings.

“It’s worth remembering that prevention goes a long way towards having an enjoyable day,” Mr Large said. “Being sun smart is vitally important ( slip,slop slap) and taking regular fluids as well as small snacks should reduce sea sickness.” 

If required, swimmers assisted by the RFDS will be transported to the Rottnest nursing post or Fremantle Hospital.

The two RFDS doctors on the rescue vessels will include Swedish doctor, Caterina Wilding, who has been in Perth only three weeks. She is enjoying the change from snow to sunny beaches and will assist with the Rottnest swim before heading north to work for the Royal Flying Doctor Service in Port Hedland.

The Royal Flying Doctor Service is one of the charities supported by the Rottnest Channel Swim and donations will help buy critically important aeromedical equipment for the RFDS’ fleet of 14 aircraft.