RFDS Mount Isa emergency care enhanced with Glencore’s support
Thanks to Mount Isa Mines, the Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section) (RFDS) can now provide enhanced emergency care with new, state-of-the-art medical equipment, including the MEQU Fluid Warmer and i-STAT blood analyser. These advanced devices have strengthened their emergency response capabilities.
The MEQU Fluid Warmer is a portable device that safely warms blood products and fluids to an optimal temperature before administration, crucial for preventing hypothermia, improving patient comfort, and maximising the effectiveness of intravenous therapies.
The i-STAT blood analyser is a handheld device that provides rapid blood analysis in just five minutes, offering immediate results for emergency decision-making, much like a mini pathology lab.
Jamie-Lee McCall, RFDS Nurse Manager - Aeromedical, emphasised the importance of these new tools for the Mount Isa team.
“The MEQU Fluid Warmer and i-STAT analyser are invaluable in emergency care, preventing hypothermia and providing quick, actionable diagnostics,” Jamie-Lee said.
“These devices are essential in critical situations, where every moment counts, and resources may be limited. Their portability ensures we can take them on every flight, using them as needed in pre-hospital settings.”
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The staff from the Mount Isa RFDS base with the new equipment purchased by Mount Isa Mines.
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With the largest operational area of any RFDS base in Queensland, the Mount Isa team deliver services to an extensive region.
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Elizabeth Doran, Medical Chest Service Manager with the RFDS Medical Chest.
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Nick Tully, Deputy Head of Flying Operations, RFDS Charleville Base.
Operating over the largest area of any RFDS base in Queensland, the Mount Isa team serves a vast region. With this new equipment, they can continue delivering high-quality care to communities across Western Queensland.
Glencore has been a long-time supporter of the RFDS and looks forward to strengthening this important partnership. Jonathan Eden, Manager of Health, Safety, Environment, and Community at Mount Isa Mines, shared his thoughts on the donation:
“We’re proud to support the RFDS in providing critical life-saving equipment for the Mount Isa team during emergency retrievals. The RFDS is essential for delivering emergency medical services to people in regional and remote areas of Queensland, and we hope our contribution makes a real difference for those in need of urgent care in the north-west, far from major hospitals.”