Aeromed Conference 2024
Critical Care In The Air: From The Highs To The Lows
Christchurch showcased its capabilities in air retrieval medicine, health tech and aviation to the Aeromedical Society of Australasia, their members and the wider aeromedical and flight nursing industries sector at their annual conference in September. This was the first time this conference had been held in Christchurch.
The conference is a key part of the continuous learning and development needed in an industry which is constantly evolving. Keynote speakers from around the world covered a range of topics including emergency management and aeromedical interface, international standards for the transport of infectious patients, and bridging the gap in health inequities for those living in rural and remote regions.
The theme of Conference was Critical Care in the Air: From the Highs to the Lows. For Christchurch this signified the Alps and the Plains and the rescue missions, which often involve difficult access. The theme fitted with the geography, landscape and the culture of the city – a place of resilience and renewal and innovation. It also mirrored the changing landscape of aeromedicine and air rescue.
Local Expertise
Local aviation company, GCH Aviation was a gold sponsor for the conference. With a state-of-the-art aeromedical base and headquarters in Christchurch, GCH established the first air rescue and air ambulance service for Canterbury and the West Coast, and has been operating safely since 1985. Their aeromedical operations now also extend to Nelson and Marlborough region, wider New Zealand and throughout the Asia Pacific region with a recent addition of an aeromedical capable Challenger Jet.
Katherine Townend, GCH Aviation Medical Director based in Christchurch said GCH jumped on as a gold sponsor to help ensure the event was a success and showcase GCH Aviation’s expertise in the aeromedical sector within New Zealand and the Asia Pacific region.
The New Zealand Flying Doctor Trust supported flight nurses from Canterbury, Nelson-Marlborough and six neonatal transport team nurses to attend the conference.
“It was such a unique opportunity to share experiences and work together to improve patient outcomes across Australasia. GCH Aviation, together with the Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust supported many of our air rescue critical care paramedics to attend. Over 18 crew from all three bases attended the conference. This was a phenomenal educational opportunity for our team,” Dr Townend said.
A member of the Canterbury Flight Nurse team presented her research findings to international peers on the first day of the conference, having recently completed her Master of Health Science in Aeromedical Retrieval and Transport.
Following the conference, GCH hosted a day tour for some of the international visitors and added value to their experience by helicoptering them to some of Canterbury’s scenic highlights.
New Zealand media coverage included a lead spot on Seven Sharp, TVNZ’s highest rated current affairs show, which focused on Canterbury’s air rescue helicopter service and its links with Swiss Rega who were visiting the city for the conference.
Contact Us
Talk to our team today.
ChristchurchNZ Convention Bureau
