Medical services in the ouback

We have 3 cars dumped in the carpark and there were 2 last year from people unprepared with treatable conditions

Good point Peter about having a driver in reserve. We take a back-up for just about everything else these days, but often overlook a back-up driver. On a couple of occasions John or I have needed some minor medical attention while in the outback and on both occasions were impressed by the attention we received at either a medical centre or the hospital. But as one who takes regular medication I have sometimes found it difficult to fill a script, now I get my local chemist to give me a supply that will last for the duration of the trip - a bit more bulk to carry but better than having to wait or chase around for that essential tablet.

I do agree about the need for self reliance but neither do I think that sensibly prepared folk should be deterred from going remote. My take on it is that should things go totally pear shaped then we have been doing what we love, and that is much better sitting at home wondering what might have been. Ones attitude to death changes the closer you approach it perhaps.

Cheers,
Val.

Ken Tame insurance through the CMCA will recover the vehicle in case of a medical emergency.

Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 motorhome.

We maintain the car to "bring us home" not to "get us there".

A satellite phone is under the front seat with a list of medical contacts, both national and "local" to the planned route, and recovery, SES etc contacts for the route. I have issues and need to be able to call for aid and my own doctor. We also travel solo.

We are prepared to pay what it costs, insurance gaps etc or whatever. Not about to dump anything. If you can't afford it then please go elsewhere and find an interest that you can fully afford.

It's the responsible thing to do. Not just for us, but for those who come later.

I must agree with Allan. Asking some basic questions about how far, how to get from a to b etc sometimes does make me wonder about the skills and "sense" of questioner both in planning and actually "on the road". I never mind the ones about today's or the "latest" conditions I am only too happy to help. Note that I won't toss them off with that annoying phrase "Google is your friend". But I will show them how to find it out themselves.

All one should be asking about is the recent and most up to date information that you won't get from a book or map printed months if not months then years past.

One post recently asked about facilities at Rabbit Flat. Excellent question as some maps still show it. But there is nothing there apart from the bush, sand and wind.

And I have been known for suggesting , very politely mind you, that some try something less demanding before attempting the extremes.

Phil

When my partner took ill in Karratha, with two short hospital admissions, we were very impressed with the medical attentipon that she got, much more personal than in the busy city hospital. Can't speak highly enough of the staff, doctors and admin the same. In good hands we were,

Good to hear that.

In particular check out the many camping (freecamping) and caravaning groups on Facebook. That is where you will find those who are seriously not prepared. I think for some the motto is "have wikicamps, will travel"

Val.

.
Thanks for the reference to "Dentist in a Box".
We carry a comprehensive first aid kit but there is little in there to help with dental issues other than analgesics.
Last year heading to the Pilbara I experienced gum pain at Coober Pedy. Thought it was an infection but with no dentist in town the pharmacist provided some analgesic gel to rub on the gum. That got me to Newman where a dentist provided antibiotics to get me home for the needed major dental surgery.
Now, as it happened, the Dentist in a Box would not have helped but the incident did highlight the possible risk of dental issues so I have ordered one today. I will add a tube of SM-33 Gel to the kit.