On March 7, 2016 the Royal Flying Doctor Service released its latest research publication entitled “The Royal Flying Doctor Service: Responding to injuries in remote and rural Australia” –RN017_Responding_to_Injuries_P14”
This report gives details on falls, burns, poisonings, transport accidents, workplace injuries, drownings, self harm and assault. It shows the disparity that exists between country and city. It also provides startling facts and figures on childhood accidents and injuries in rural and remote areas, as well as statistics for indigenous peoples.
The research finds Australians living in remote and very remote areas are:
– Almost twice as likely as city residents to sustain an injury, and 2.2 times more likely to be hospitalised for an injury;
– Four times more likely to die from a transport related injury than major city residents;
– 3.8 times (remote) and 4.2 times (very remote) more likely to die from assault than major city residents; and
– 1.7 times (remote) and 1.8 times (very remote) more likely to die from suicide than major city residents.
Additionally, injuries are a leading cause of death and hospitalisation amongst:
– Australian children—more children die from injuries (36%), than from cancer (19%) and diseases of the nervous system (11%) combined;
– Indigenous Australians; and
– Agricultural workers.
The research was conducted by the recently established Royal Flying Doctor Service Research and Policy Unit. It was critically reviewed by a panel of external experts, and is supported by Reconciliation Australia and the Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety.
