Aeromedical charity CareFlight has received $20 million from the federal government to make its emergency rescue services available 365 days a year.
The federal government has invested $20 million to expand the scope of aeromedical retrieval service CareFlight in the Northern Territory.
The funding will go towards adding a second rescue helicopter and a Gulfstream G150 aeromedical jet to CareFlight’s fleet.
The expanded fleet will allow CareFlight to operate every day of the year and increase its coverage of remote and difficult terrain across northern Australia, and will also support the year-round deployment of Australian Medical Assistant Teams through the National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre based in Darwin.
Prior to receiving the funding boost, CareFlight was unable to offer its emergency rescue services year-round due to maintenance requirements.
According to Senator Malarndirri McCarthy, the investment in CareFlight’s services would provide patients in some of the most remote parts of the country with access to lifesaving care.
“Every Australian deserves access to emergency and critical care and they need to be assured that help will come when they need it,” Senator McCarthy said.
“The additions to CareFlight’s fleet in the Top End will make a real difference in remote communities, and beyond with lifesaving medical care available throughout the year.”
CareFlight employs specialist doctors, nurses and midwives using aeromedical services to respond to medical emergencies and other crisis events across the country, including search and rescue missions at sea, road trauma and newborn rescues.
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