Spectrum 565. Airwaves over the outback

Rights Information
Year
1987
Reference
1504
Media type
Audio
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Rights Information
Year
1987
Reference
1504
Media type
Audio
Categories
Documentary radio programs
Nonfiction radio programs
Radio programs
Sound recordings
Duration
00:35:32
Credits
RNZ Collection
Alwyn Owen, 1926-
Jack Perkins, 1940-
Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia
Radio New Zealand. National Programme, 1964-1986, Broadcaster

Jack Perkins accompanies the Flying Doctor on a flight to Leonora from the Kalgoorlie base and Alwyn Owen looks at the communication side of the service including the "School of the Air" radio network.

Pilot Ron [Beamont] checks the twin engine aircraft before take-off. Dr Greg Murphy and pharmacist, Jenny Cordoroy visit the clinic in the tiny mining town of Leonora, located 160km north, twice weekly. Operating from the Royal Flying Doctors Service (RFDS) base at Kalgoorlie the plane also serves as an ambulance, offering swift medical aid to people in the outback at any time.

Up in the air Jack Perkins interviews Ron about the territory’s geography, and distances and conditions travelled. Greg Murphy describes what needs to be considered when transferring patients and why he chose to be a flying doctor. On arrival Leonora clinic secretary, Jacqueline greets them.

Interview with Pharmacist, Jenny Cordoroy who describes a new snake bite kit and examples of demand for it. Matron of the hospital, Sadie Canning (MBE and QSM) has worked in the hospital for thirty years, fifteen of which were without a resident doctor. Sadie speaks highly of the flying doctor service but admits there is more pressure on her when they are without a resident doctor.

Interview with Leonora patient Don Monde, 83 years old, talks about the days prior to the flying doctor service. Radio has a great role to play in the outback, not only with emergency calls but also with school lessons, though the RT reception is not good. School of the Air teacher, Erica describes the bond that grows between her and her students, and the difficulties RT lessons encounter.

Interview with John Flower, in charge of radio communications at Leonora base, tells how he has developed an affinity with the outback people through daily radio contact. He says anyone that lives more than 17 km from base can be granted an outpost radio licence and everyone who travels regularly into the bush; prospectors, drillers, surveyors and government doggers all use short wave radios.

Joining up with Dr Greg Murphy on the return flight, Sade explains they have a patient suffering from concussion that needs to head to Kalgoorlie hospital for observation. Greg Murphy explains how mercury devices, urine, blood and faeces can damage the aircraft frame through erosion, demanding a thorough clean of the aircraft once back at the hanger.

Murphy makes mention of a visit he made to an Aboriginal clinic once where he’d checked an Aboriginal man who’d spent the last 25 years in the bush, and who appeared in a much better physical state than many of his non-bush contemporaries.