CareFlight Northern Territory celebrate all-women crews

All-women crews have been celebrated by one of the Northern Territory’s leading aeromedical organisations, paving the way for women interested in entering the traditionally male-dominated field.

CareFlight: Dr Bash Jagarlamundi, Pilot Anna Pescatore and Flight Nurse and Midwife Trudy Guiney. Picture: CareFlight

All-women crews have been celebrated by one of the Northern Territory’s leading aeromedical organisations, CareFlight, paving the way for women entering traditionally male-dominated fields.

The celebrations, which came only days before International Women’s Day on March 8, saw all-women crews — comprising of pilots, critical care doctors and flight nurses — take to the skies to mark the event.

Although all-women crews have been deployed across the NT for years, the milestone is said to have never been properly acknowledged by the aeromedical organisation until now.

Deputy Medical Director, Dr Sarah Mackney, Dr Bash Jagarlamudi, Pilot Anna Pescatore and Flight Nurse and Midwife Trudy Guiney. Picture: CareFlight

The occasion also marked a momentous step forward for women in the industry, where women make up just 7.5 per cent of pilots and 17 per cent of critical care doctors, according to CareFlight.

For years, CareFlight’s teams have taken to the road and skies to provide urgent medical care to urban, remote and regional communities across some of Australia’s most challenging landscapes.

CareFlight Nurse and Midwife Trudy Guiney teaching at a community education course. Picture: CareFlight

CareFlight Nurse Trudy Guiney, who was recently part of an all-female mission, said the milestone reflected the progress women have made in aviation and emergency medicine.

“There’s something incredible about stepping into the aircraft, looking around, and seeing an entire team of women — all highly trained, all at the top of their game, and all there for one purpose: saving lives,” she said.

“It’s a moment of pride but also a reminder of how far we’ve come; a few years ago, this wouldn’t have been possible, now it’s happening.”

CareFlight Senior Base Pilot Anna Pescatore, who has flown in hundreds of lifesaving missions, said the dynamic within the all-women teams was empowering.

CareFlight planes on the ground. Picture: CareFlight

“When I first started in aviation, an all-female crew was unheard of; now, we’re flying critical missions together, showing that skill, leadership, and expertise have nothing to do with gender,” she said.

“It’s a powerful moment for all of us — because this isn’t about ticking a box for diversity; It’s about being the best at what we do and saving lives.”

CareFlight General Manager of Northern Operations Jodie Mills said the organisation remained committed to inspiring the next generation of women leaders in aviation and emergency medicine.