Royal Flying Doctor Service probe: Indigenous man fighting for life after he fell onto tarmac during transfer

An Indigenous man is fighting for his life after he fell — or was dropped — onto the tarmac during a Royal Flying Doctor Service transfer in Onslow. The man, in his 40s, sustained head injuries as a result of the incident and is currently in Royal Perth Hospital in a critical but stable condition. RFDS has refused to say how the man fell — including whether he was dropped — but has confirmed the “matter is currently under investigation”. The West Australian understands the fall occurred on the evening of December 6, when the man was on a trolley being wheeled towards a waiting plane ahead of being flown down to Perth. He is understood to have already been suffering from serious health issues at the time the transfer was initiated, although the head trauma has exacerbated his condition. The man’s extended family is believed to have been left devastated and angry by the situation, with many of his relatives travelling to Perth to be by his side at RPH. RFDS WA did not address a series of detailed questions about the incident, instead releasing a statement from chief executive Judith Barker. “Our thoughts are with the patient and his family at this very difficult time,” she said. “As this matter is currently under investigation, the Royal Flying Doctor Service is unable to provide any detail at this stage. “The RFDS is working with St John WA to investigate this matter and ensure the family is supported. The safety and care of every RFDS patient is our highest priority.” St John also declined to elaborate on the nature of the incident and the ongoing probe. “St John WA is working with the RFDS to investigate this matter,” a spokeswoman said. “Further detail may pre-empt the findings of the investigation and St John WA is supporting the family through the process.” A spokeswoman for WA Country Health Service — which requested the original transfer from Onslow to Perth — said the man was not in the care of the agency when the incident occurred. “It is our expectation that the transport providers involved will complete a full and thorough investigation,” she said. “In the interim, we will continue to closely support the patient involved and their family. We know this is an extremely difficult time for them.”