Royal Flying Doctor Medical Chests

Did you know that Symbion Hospital Services is responsible for the Australia wide supply and replenishment of The Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia (RFDS) Medical Chests? With our extensive distribution capabilities, Symbion Hospital Services works under the direction of the RFDS to deliver and refill over 3500 chests issued to outposts across Australia including hotels, parks, mining camps, police stations and remote homesteads. These places are often many hundreds of kilometres away from towns or medical facilities and the chests provide a lifeline by which doctors can provide medical treatment remotely.

The RFDS medical chest has evolved over many years to cover a number of medical conditions (not just emergencies), which it would be difficult for people living and working in remote areas to treat. As such, it contains a large number of "prescription only" pharmaceutical items. It is a condition of the provision of the chest that these drugs be used only on the advice of a registered RFDS medical officer.

The drugs provided are coded using a simple numbering system since the chemical names and brand names may vary from time to time. These item numbers are known by RFDS medical officers, who are familiar with the contents of the chest and its use.

The chests were originally introduced in 1942 and the RFDS body chart, drawn by Sister Lucy Garlick in Broome, Western Australia in 1951, is still included in all medical chests. This remains a vital tool in assisting with a patient's diagnosis via remote consultations. A doctor speaking from anywhere, including an aircraft, can ask, by number, where pain is being felt, and then instruct the caller to use medication or treatment by referring to numbered items on the lid list of the chest.

Although the RFDS receives some government funding, they must also rely on the generosity of corporations, organisations and individuals to help them replace aircraft and purchase medical supplies and vital life-saving equipment. Should anyone wish to donate or provide assistance to the Service, please contact the RFDS National Office at;

Level 8
15-17 Young Street
Sydney NSW 2000
02-8259 8100 (or 1800 467 435)
enquiries@rfdsno.com