Mr Peter Franklin1
1WA Country Health Service
Australia depends on aeromedical platforms, to provide treatment and transfer. Each state provides internal or contracted capability to execute this critical function. Regards Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) or rotary wing, however, a huge disparity exists between states.
Western Australia is the largest state with a populous of 2.6 million but has the least amount of HEMS per head of population and the least amount per km2
WA HEMS commenced in 2003 operated by WA Department of Fire and Emergency Services operating from Jandakot. In 2016, a 2nd helicopter commenced from Bunbury and these cover the South-West and have completed 10,000 missions. Contrary to other jurisdictions, this service operates only one Critical Care Paramedic.
In 2003 the WA population was 1.9 million, by 2016 this had risen to 2.5 million representing a 35% increase in just 13 years.
Conversely, Queensland as the 2nd largest state has a population of 5.2 million up from 3.8 million since 2003 thus following the same percentage increase.
However, after an inter-jurisdictional review, it was noted Queensland operates 22 HEMS under the auspice of Queensland Health and Retrieval Services Queensland. All are dual clinician.
Currently no firm data exists to support the need for a helicopter network. However, fragmented data shows there is arguably a need to invest in state-wide strategic bases. This data suggests potential for 1000 missions annually across land and ocean so these should be completed on a joint SAR / HEMS platform.
In late 2021 an Aeromedical public inquiry was established. Its aim, to review arrangements for aeromedical provision in WA and recommend improvements to patient outcomes, governance and coordination. The Inquiry reports mid-2022.
This presentation highlights the disparity in WA and demonstrates a need for strategic investment to increase access, equity and improve patient outcomes to reduce morbidity and mortality.
Biography:
Peter is a Critical Care Paramedic and has operated on military, civilian and industrial HEMS / SAR and fixed wing retrieval for 27 years. Peter was also the first military member to successfully pass the UK Military to NHS bridging course and one of the first UK clinicians to graduate as an Emergency Care Practitioner. Peter has operated in Australia, UK, USA, Canada, the Middle East, South East Asia and on maritime and offshore operations. Peter is currently studying for a MSc Specialist Paramedic Practice (Aeromedical Retrieval) through Monash