Medical Chests - Western Operations
The RFDS in Western Australia manages over 500 medical chests. This program works in conjunction with the RFDS emergency line 1800 625 800.
Eligibility
People living at remote sites isolated from medical services can apply to the RFDS to become a custodian of a medical chest. Each case is assessed on its merits but considerations include the following.
- Distance from medical care. Medical chests are only approved to remote communities located greater than 80km from professional medical care (e.g., hospital, health centre). Exceptions, however, may be made for communities who are closer than 80km if they are separated by geographic features which cause inaccessibility (e.g., roads cut off in wet season). The applicant would be construed as not having reasonable access and may be entitled to a medical chest.
- Adequate telecommunications. Chest holders must have the capacity to be in telephone communication with the RFDS in order to obtain authorisation for use of restricted items.
- Responsible person. It is a requirement that at least one person agrees to act as the responsible custodian of the medical chest. They would be required to read an Agreement and complete a Declaration Form stating they will abide by the conditions of the medical chest program. This will also give them authority to sign orders for items.
- Size of community. Whilst there is no minimum size of a community for issue of a medical chest (providing all other criteria and limited access to health services are met), the chest is designed to service a population of up to approximately 30 persons.
- Located within Western Australia. RFDS Western Operations can only approve medical chests to applicants within WA and its waters. Other Sections of the RFDS meet the requirements in other States.