'COVID on Country': an innovative model safely supporting high-risk patients in Central Australia

Dr Mardi Steere

qualifications: FAAP, FACEP, FRACP

contribution: Study conception and design, Analysis and interpretation of data, Drafting of manuscript

position: Executive General Manager Medical and Retrieval Services RFDS, Associate Professor Charles Darwin University

Dr Samuel Goodwin

contribution: Study conception and design, Analysis and interpretation of data

position: Executive Director Medical Services

Dr Fergus Gardiner

qualifications: PhD

contribution: Study conception and design, Analysis and interpretation of data

position: Director National RFDS COVID-19 Response

Dr Fergus Gardiner, is a health executive with experience in military, emergency, and public health leadership. Fergus has been led the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) national COVID-19 response. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Fergus led many public health teams throughout Australia, including during the 2019/20 bushfire season. This has included investigating disease trends and outbreaks, and the establishment of clinical interventions. His role at the RFDS also includes being a media spokesperson, about clinical findings, trends, and national emergency situations. Fergus also oversees the RFDS Public Health and Research Unit (PHRU), which supports service delivery by coordinating national public health response measures; conducting research; producing research and policy papers; and participating in research projects aimed at improving outcomes for people in the bush.

Ms Debra Gray

contribution: Study conception and design, Acquisition of data

position: General Manager Pandemic Response

Mr David Carpenter

contribution: Acquisition of data

position: Flight Nurse Manager

Mr Anthony Pryzibilla

qualifications: BSc (Hons)

contribution: Acquisition of data

position: Operations Manager

Dr Simon Quilty

qualifications: FRACP

contribution: Acquisition of data, Drafting of manuscript, Critical revision

position: Senior Lecturer and PhD Candidate

Remote specialist physician with research interest in climate, heat and health.