A recent mission by CareFlight’s NT helicopter highlights the extraordinary reach of its aeromedical retrieval service, delivering urgent care to some of the most remote parts of the Northern Territory.
The CareFlight NT helicopter, powered by Viva Energy, was tasked to respond to an explosion on the Limmen Bight River in the Gulf region.
The patient, who sustained serious burns, required urgent medical retrieval from an area more than 800 nautical miles (around 1,480 km) return trip from Darwin — a location so remote it would take roughly 15 hours to reach by road, one way. The helicopter mission took significantly less time and covered a distance equivalent to flying from Brisbane to Launceston.
“This was one of the longest retrievals we’ve flown in recent years,” said CareFlight Pilot Dave. “It’s a reminder of how critical helicopters are in reaching people quickly, even in the most isolated corners of the Territory.”
Aircrew Officer Kurt added: “The Top End is vast — about the size of France — and our helicopter is equipped to cover all 600,000 square kilometres. On missions like this, every minute counts.”
Flight Nurse Tom, who was on board for the mission, said: “Having a dedicated medical helicopter in our fleet gives us the flexibility to respond rapidly to incidents like this. Our ability as nursing staff to operate across different aircraft, including helicopters, adds significant value to the care we’re able to deliver in communities across the NT.”
CareFlight provides 24/7 aeromedical retrievals under contract with the Northern Territory Government, responding to emergencies across the Top End — from roadside trauma and remote community callouts to time-critical incidents like this.
Photos and interviews available on request.
