Emergency services, health workers, and local families recently joined hands-on training workshops run by CareFlight. The initiative, supported by Viva Energy, aimed to equip communities with practical skills to respond to medical emergencies in remote areas, where professional help can be hours away. The sessions combined trauma management, paediatric emergency care, and infant health training, highlighting the importance of local preparedness.
During the training, frontline responders in Mataranka practised stabilising trauma patients, coordinating care with limited resources, and making critical decisions in high-pressure situations. Remote Area Nurses and Aboriginal Health Practitioners completed the Sick & Injured Kids in the Bush course, a program designed to help identify and manage paediatric emergencies in isolated communities. The course covered recognising warning signs, administering first aid, and providing ongoing care until professional support arrives.
Parents and carers also joined an Infant Care Workshop through the Families as First Teachers initiative, gaining confidence in recognising common childhood illnesses and injuries, safe sleeping practices, and practical first aid skills. For many, it was the first opportunity to practise hands-on techniques with guidance from trained educators, building both knowledge and confidence.
The following day, workshops were held in Wugularr, with support from Nyirrunggulung-RISE, Roper-Gulf Shire Council, and local clinic staff. Families and health workers from nearby Barunga also participated, demonstrating strong regional collaboration and a shared commitment to community safety. Across both locations, the sessions emphasised teamwork between local residents and emergency responders, ensuring that all community members—regardless of experience—could play a vital role in managing emergencies.
“It’s great to see our community coming together. These courses give us real skills and confidence to act in an emergency,” said a local Ranger
“Everyone plays a role in keeping the community safe—parents, Rangers, nurses. The workshops show how collaboration saves lives. This kind of training also builds resilience, giving people the confidence to support each other when it matters most,” said CareFlight educator and Flight Nurse, Dean Blackney.
In 2025 alone, CareFlight has delivered training in more than eight communities and outstations, reaching over 200 participants so far, with further sessions planned for Batchelor, Gunbalanya, Wurrumiyanga, Borroloola, Galiwin’ku and Numbulwar.
By running these programs across the Top End, CareFlight strengthens the ability of remote communities to respond quickly and effectively when medical emergencies arise. Participants leave not only with practical skills but also a deeper understanding of how collaboration between families, health workers, and emergency services can save lives and improve recovery.
“Thank you to the CareFlight team for the training at Beswick. Everyone was happy with the day and walked away with valuable, potentially lifesaving skills. I truly appreciate the effort you all put in and the vital service CareFlight provides to people in need. We look forward to working with you again.” — Peter, Community Project Coordinator, Nyirrunggulung RISE
CareFlight’s ongoing commitment to remote training reflects its mission to save lives, speed recovery, and serve the community.
CareFlight’s remote community training is delivered with the support of Viva Energy, helping ensure programs are accessible and effective across the Top End.
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