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CareFlight has worked alongside the Aboriginal Interpreter Service to create several COVID-19 community safety videos in nine different Aboriginal languages.

The videos urge residents in remote communities not to put off emergency treatment because of fear of catching COVID-19.

CareFlight’s Medical Director in the Northern Territory, Dr John Roe, says it’s vital people still access their services.

“Royal Darwin Hospital has reported a 10 to 15 per cent drop in Emergency Department presentations, which has concerned clinicians in the Top End,” Dr John Roe explained.

“As RDH’s Dr Keith Forrest explained – putting off emergency treatment is dangerous and poses an additional health risk, it is never good to seek medical intervention late into an infection,” he said.

“While the Northern Territory is succeeding in flattening the COVID-19 curve, we understand there is still community concern around the virus. We want the community to know CareFlight’s aeromedical and healthcare services remain fully operational, and our crews are taking precautions to keep the community safe.”

CareFlight in the time of COVID-19

CareFlight has teamed up with the Aboriginal Interpreter Service to let you and your community know how our crews are working to protect you all.

Watch these messages in your language here

The videos are delivered in Yolngu Matha, Anindilyakwa, Warlpiri, Murrinh-Patha, Kriol, Tiwi, Burrara, Kunwinjku, Maung and English.

They update the community on the measures staff are taking to limit disease transmission.

“That includes wearing Personal Protective Equipment, decontaminating our aircraft after missions, and implementing physical distancing at all of our bases,” Dr Roe said.

“It’s important all Territorians can access this important message, which is why we’ve teamed up with the Aboriginal Interpreter service to ensure the message is inclusive.”

The videos sit on the organisation’s website as an interactive map that invites users to click on different locations to hear the message in their language.

“The message is simple, don’t put yourself at risk by putting off emergency treatment because of fear of catching the COVID-19 virus. It is safe to travel with us.”