Quick response medical kit for remote regions distributed

28/8/96

A new quick response medical kit designed for emergencies in Western Australia's outback regions has been distributed across the State, Health Minister Kevin Prince said today.

Mr Prince said 130 'Parry Packs' had been supplied by the Health Department to country hospitals and nursing posts, Silver Chain Bush Nursing Posts and Aboriginal Medical Services throughout rural areas.

They were designed to deliver a rapid response to resuscitation and other emergencies in remote areas.

"The development of this emergency kit will substantially improve the capacity to quickly respond to the most common emergencies that arise in rural areas," the Minister said.

"Doctors and nurses, no matter where they are in rural WA, will have access to a set of emergency equipment and drugs in a standardised format."

The kit provides a basic set of equipment and drugs in a purpose-built pack designed and refined by Dr John Parry from Narrogin.

Dr Parry said that the pack was designed in consultation with many individuals and organisations including the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the WA Centre for Remote and Rural Medicine.

The RFDS initially co-ordinated the supply and distribution of the kits, each worth about $1,640, to public hospitals and nursing posts. The Health Department's Rural Health Development Unit completed the distribution to centres stretching from Kalumburu to Ravensthorpe and Wiluna to Rottnest Island.

"My experience in rural practice led me to the conclusion that a standardised approach and easy access to resuscitation and emergency equipment would improve trauma services in the country," Dr Parry said.

Media contact: Kirsten Stoney 3660300