CareFlight host behind-the-scene event in Darwin

It was a case of two birds-one stone when CareFlight celebrated one of its rescue helicopter’s 10 years of service, with dozens of Indigenous students given the opportunity to see the aeromedical service’s inner workings. See the pictures.

Emma lewis and Brendon Kiley Flight at the Careflight Hangar in Darwin. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

CareFlight has turned its attention to recruiting young talent out of the very localities in which it has been saving lives, recently providing Indigenous students an exclusive insight into the inner workings of the aeromedical service.

On Thursday, CareFlight held a special event to celebrate its AW139 rescue helicopter’s 10 years of service, with Top End students invited to get a behind-the-scenes look at how the Territory’s unsung heroes operate.

With attendees treated to demonstrations in winching and first aid practice, northern operations general manager Jodie Mills said she hoped the students would treasure the experience.

“I just hope they go away with a sense of the community that we have here at CareFlight,” she said.

“And that we want to be part of their community, that we’re here for all Territorians.”

Chief executive Mick Frewen and general manager Jodie Mills at CareFlight’s Darwin hangar. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

CareFlight chief executive Mick Frewen said his organisation was keen to identify those with a heart to serve.

“Getting those kids into (our) pathways has been something we’ve working on for a decade,” he said.

“We have had pathway success with kids working in engineering, health and marketing communications operations.”

Ms Mills says CareFlight has a special relationship with remote communities. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Ms Mills reflected on her 14 years of service and said her organisation had a special role to play in helping Indigenous families.

“We absolutely understand that we’re taking patients from community – it’s a big thing for them to come into the hospital, sometimes for a very long period,” she said.

“We want to make sure we can make that process as comfortable as we possibly can.”

Mr Mills also paid tribute to the $10 million AW139 rescue helicopter in enabling the teams tp reach more patients and communities.

“The AW139 has been a pivotal asset,” she said.

“It has long legs, it’s able to go a long way and it’s a fast aircraft.

“We’re also able to take on many more patients than we could in smaller aircraft previously.”

For those considering a career with CareFlight, Ms Mills said it was adventure-filled experience.

“It’s a great job, it’s adrenaline going out every day not sure where you’re going,” she said.

“It’s something different for all our disciplines here.”

The Robertson family enjoying a morning at the hangar. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Brendon Kiley Flight and Nick Spencer. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Matt Auld (yellow helmet) and Michael Chew demonstrating winching operations. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Flinders University members enjoying the kit on show. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Ben Carrington enjoying the cockpit. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Lucy Cook, Nick Spencer and Rachel Grocke. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Kurt Pride explaining to attendees winching operations. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Matt Auld demonstrates winching procedures. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Nick Spencer Registrar Doctor and Alvin Mckenzie. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The winching demo in motion. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

First aid exposure was also provided. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

James King, Peter Chambers and Andrew Scanes. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

A test dummy on site. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

A walk through-talk through of applying first aid with CareFlight. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin