Essential Aspects of Aeromedical Retrieval

The Royal Flying Doctor Service Qld coordinates the STAR Program - specialised Training in Aeromedical Retrieval . This handbook provides an introduction to the key elements that make up the speciality. Retrieval Medicine can be considered a challenging discipline with its own unique requirements in terms of skill set and service provision. In its broadest definition the term Retrieval Medicine can be taken to mean the use of expert medical teams to assess, stabilise, package and subsequently transport a patient from one location to another. 


Whilst critical care skills are an essential pre-requisite for members of a retrieval team it is important to realise that working successfully in a hospital environment does not always translate to success in the world of Retrieval Medicine. The retrieval environment is one in which you are likely to find yourself working in relative isolation with limited resources and in some cases in a potentially hostile environment. Initiative, common sense, pragmatism and a thorough understanding of the limitations of both the environment and yourself are essential.