MY RFDS stroy8

My RFDS Story ❤️

At 32 weeks pregnant, I knew something wasn’t quite right.

I was experiencing shortness of breath, significant swelling and chest pain, so I presented to the Port Pirie Emergency Department for assessment. After further investigations and an ultrasound, it was found that I had some fluid loss. Given how far along I was in my pregnancy and the concerns surrounding my symptoms, the decision was made that I would be transferred to Adelaide with the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS).

The RFDS team arrived quickly and immediately made me feel supported. I was nervous and scared, but their calm and reassuring manner helped settle my nerves during the flight to Adelaide.

While waiting at the RFDS accommodation in Adelaide for an ambulance transfer to the hospital, the team continued to look after me. They helped manage my pain, offered me extra blankets, and made sure I had food and drinks. 

Those things might sound small, but when you're pregnant, frightened and away from home, they mean so much.

When I arrived at the hospital in Adelaide, the medical team was prepared for me. They monitored my baby's heart rate, checked for contractions and had a plan in place in case things changed. I underwent further scans and testing of my heart and lungs, which thankfully came back normal.

My blood pressure remained elevated, and there was uncertainty about whether it was related to stress or potentially pre-eclampsia.

 With everything that had happened, I ultimately had to finish work earlier than I had originally planned.

A few weeks later, once I was back home, the pain returned. This time, I had extreme swelling in my ankles and once again presented to the Emergency Department.

More tests and another ultrasound showed that I had experienced further fluid loss, and this time it was more significant than during my previous presentation. 

Thankfully, the additional testing again came back normal, although my blood pressure remained elevated.

Because of everything that had happened, I was advised that it would now be safest for me to give birth in Adelaide, as my pregnancy was considered higher risk. 

Referrals were organised, plans were changed, and in January 2024 I travelled to Adelaide to give birth.

And then, after everything we had been through, I welcomed our beautiful, healthy daughter. ❤️

I'll never forget the role the RFDS played in getting me there.

They didn't simply fly me to Adelaide.

They were there when I was scared.

They reassured me when I was anxious.

They cared for me when I was uncomfortable and in pain.

And most importantly, they helped me feel safe during a time when everything felt uncertain.

My story is just one small example of what the RFDS does every single day for people living in rural and remote communities.

For someone who lives outside the city, having access to this service can make an enormous difference. You never expect that one day you'll be the person who needs the RFDS — until suddenly, you are.

I am incredibly grateful they were there for me and my baby when I needed them.

That experience has stayed with me ever since.

It's one of the reasons I want to give back.

Whether it's through fundraising, donating, raising awareness or simply sharing my story, I want to do whatever I can to support the organisation that supported me when I needed it most.

Because one day, you might be the person who needs the RFDS.

And when that day comes, I hope they're there — just as they were for me. ❤️✈️

Thank you, RFDS, for being there for us.

Australia is a big country, and for those living in remote, rural and regional areas, access to immediate care isn’t a guarantee. For some communities, the nearest hospital is eight hours drive away.

This October, I’m taking on a month-long fitness challenge to help more people access the care they need. By going further, I hope to raise as much as possible for the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS).

Every year, the RFDS reach more than 330,000 Australians with 24-hour emergency retrieval and primary healthcare services. That’s one person every two minutes!

Together, we can keep the Flying Doctor flying and continue their life-saving work. Please donate to my challenge today!