Medical stars shine in elusive RFDS training program
03 June 2021
5
min read
Stepping outside the classroom, participants in the recent Specialised Training in Aeromedical Retrieval (STAR) program, at Brisbane’s Whyte Island training facility, faced everything from aeromedical retrieval simulations to managing injured or ill patients.
A highly sought after course within the Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section) (RFDS), Cairns flight nurse Bill Cater’s involvement in this year’s training was made possible through QSuper’s ongoing sponsorship with the RFDS.
Joining the RFDS in 2016, and with more than 25 years’ experience in nursing, Bill has had experience across accident and emergency intensive care, as well as fixed-wing, rotary-wing and vehicle-based retrieval.
For Bill, the STAR program was his next challenge.
“I’ve been trying to get on the STAR course to hone my knowledge and be able to talk with people with far more experience than me,” Bill said.
“In the lead-up to the training I was feeling quite excited as I have wanted to do this course for several years, but for one reason or another have been unable to attend.”
Tackling real-life situations
Stepping outside the classroom, STAR program participants face realistic and confronting simulations and are required to respond as they would in real life. The two-day program is designed to improve the delivery of clinical care in aeromedical retrieval and provided training and education across all aspects of this challenging environment. Details of the training scenarios were kept secret from attendees.
The diversity as a flight nurse with the RFDS is huge. Coming to work, you never know what challenges you are going to face that day,” Bill said.
“Over the years working with the RFDS, we have had everything from shark attacks to vehicle rollovers, pregnancies to poisonings, and the list really goes on.
“I found the training with the STAR program exceptionally useful from the perspective of honing the skills I already had, as well as implementing new skills.”
Investing in the future
QSuper invests in essential training for RFDS flight nurses like Bill (above), ensuring our healthcare heroes can continue supporting Queenslanders. We know one thing our members and other Queenslanders have in common is that one day they, or someone they know, may need help from the RFDS.
Bill said the biggest takeaway for him was the need for precise and accurate communication in small teams, no matter how familiar or not you are with them.
“I am exceptionally grateful to QSuper for sponsoring me in the STAR program. Without their support I would not have been able to attend,” he said.
“Being a member with them for over 20 years, I think they’re a fantastic company.”
As a profit-for-members fund, QSuper’s No.1 priority is to ensure all members feel confident they can look forward to their best years in retirement.
QSuper is proud to partner with the RFDS to help improve the wellbeing of Queenslanders.
