From dancer to doctor: Round the world trip that inspired Townsville’s Dr Fergus Hannon

The newest critical care doctor to sign on to Townsville’s LifeFlight crew has had to endure a gruelling training regimen. See the life he led before becoming a doctor.

Townsville’s LifeFlight aeromedical crews are known for getting people moving, but their latest recruit can do it in more ways than one.

Dr Fergus Hannon was one of 30 recruits who underwent a rigorous and challenging training course in order to take up a role with the organisation.

Dr Hannon is no stranger to physically challenging scenes, having been a touring Irish dancer with the worldwide show Rhythm of the Dance.

“I spent three years touring around the world,” he said.

“I got into it through my dad who’s Irish and my siblings all did it. I thought it was a good opportunity to travel before I went off to medical school.

“I’ve been very fortunate the two careers I’ve had so far have allowed me to travel.”

Dr Fergus Hannon (left) is plunged underwater during a simulated helicopter crash. Photo: LifeFlight.

LifeFlight is a charitable service that provides care and transport to patients who find themselves in need of attention in the north’s remote regions.

“Several of my friends have worked for LifeFlight and it came highly recommended to me, in terms of the experience it gives you, the teamwork, and the learning opportunities,” Dr Hannon said.

“I’ve never set foot in a helicopter before, never been winched, everything’s new for me so it’s really exciting.”

Doctors undergoing helicopter winch training.

In addition to training in helicopter winch techniques, Dr Hannon was also required to undergo training in escaping a submerged helicopter, as well as training in how to prepare and deliver medical care during high intensity scenarios, such as multi-vehicle crashes, sinking ships, and drownings.

Dr Hannon will provide his services from Townsville’s AW139 Queensland Government Air (QGAir) helicopter.

LifeFlight’s Chief Aircrew Officer Simon Gray said the training doctors like Fergus Hannon undergo was some of the most important work they do.

“They already know how to provide critical care as doctors, but the things we’ve taught them in aviation training are new to them,” Officer Gray said.

“At the end of the day, we need to be able to put these doctors in a variety of situations to help a patient, and winching them is just another technique that we have – especially if someone is injured and there is no vehicle access.”

“They may do this on their very first shift, they may not do one at all, but we have to be prepared.”

Originally published as From dancer to doctor: Round the world trip that inspired Townsville’s Dr Fergus Hannon