Careflight delivers training to support remote communities

CareFlight has completed a record year training up hundreds of people to save lives across the Top End.

CareFlight is renowned for its aeromedical missions that have been providing lifesaving health care to remote communities across northern Australia for nearly two decades.

In addition to flying critically ill and injured patients to hospital care, CareFlight delivers’ practical training at no cost to participants to address the vital need for early intervention and medical preparedness in remote regions.

Over several years, the uniquely tailored education programs have developed and improved, with last year marking the busiest rollout ever.

In 2024, CareFlight delivered over 38 training courses in 18 locations, equipping more than 350 participants with essential skills to handle medical emergencies before professional help arrives.

A milestone was the introduction of the new Infant Care Workshop, a culturally safe program empowering parents and carers to address common infant health concerns and emergencies.

Delivered through 10 workshops across the Top End, the program saw more than double the anticipated intake. CareFlight’s Sick and Injured Kids in the Bush workshop continued to deliver critical paediatric emergency care training to healthcare workers and community members.

This program equips participants with the skills to manage children’s health in remote areas. In 2024, CareFlight delivered 11 sessions of this culturally safe program in communities, ensuring they are ready to respond confidently to paediatric emergencies.

“We’re so grateful to the CareFlight team for bringing their education and training to Gunbalanya,” the Gunbalanya Health Centre said in a statement.

For our remote staff and community, travelling to Darwin or interstate for training isn’t an option, so having CareFlight come to us means everything.

Programs like ‘Sick and Injured Kids in the Bush’ give us the skills and confidence to respond in emergencies and care for our community when it matters most.”

In 2024, hundreds of first responders participated in 18 of the training sessions, gaining lifesaving skills through realistic, hands-on scenarios.

The program’s storytelling and community-based approach ensures participants feel prepared to manage trauma situations in the critical moments before professional medical help arrives.

The training at Mimal Ranger Base in Weemol was more than just learning new skills—it was delivered in a way that truly respected our culture and community. CareFlight’s ability to adapt the course to suit our people, support individual learning, and make the content relevant to our work made a real difference.

“Our team felt valued, engaged, and empowered. This is how all training should be delivered,”  Mimal Rangers  said.

“These programs are not just about teaching skills; they’re about empowering people to take control of emergencies and feel confident they can make a difference,” Dean Blackney, flight nurse and  community educator, at CareFlight, said.

“The community-led approach ensures these programs resonate and create lasting impact.

“We are incredibly grateful to the communities that welcome us, the local organisations that help coordinate these workshops, and the participants committed to making their regions safer.”

The impact of CareFlight’s education programs highlights the power of strong local partnerships.

“By working hand-in-hand with communities, we’re creating safer environments and ensuring life-saving medical interventions reach those in need,” Mr. Blackney added.

To bring CareFlight’s lifesaving training to your community, contact our education team at [email protected] For any additional statistics, course locations or to arrange an interview please contact [email protected]