The RFDS operates 20 aircraft from nine operational bases from across regional Queensland. Underprepared grey nomads touring the outback — sometimes with significant illnesses — have contributed to a Queensland flying doctor base recording its busiest two months ever. RFDS research shows consistency across rural and remote Australia that aeromedical retrievals are increasing for older people The service says factors at play include more older travellers and aging regional communities Medical emergencies involving tourists with existing health problems is also trending upwards And the Charleville Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) base is on track for its busiest year yet with over 1,200 flight hours already recorded this year. Over the same period last year the crew, based 900 kilometres west of Brisbane, had only flown 1,080 hours. "For the last three months we’ve exceeded our previous months’ records," said Charleville manager of clinical and base operations, Joanne Mahony. "It’s […]