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BHP, Flying Doctor extend emergency aeromedical partnership

BHP Olympic Dam has extended its partnership with the Royal Flying Doctor Service Central Operations (RFDS) for the next three years, marked by the BHP branding on RFDS aircraft ‘Bravo’.

The VH-FVB aircraft has a long history with the mining giant.

Olympic Dam asset president Laura Tyler said, “BHP funded the medical fit out of Bravo back in 2010, and since then the plane has airlifted more than 7100 patients – including 76 from Roxby Downs – so we feel a special connection to this aircraft.”

BHP has also made a $300,000 contribution that helps RFDS fly and provide life-saving services to South Australian communities, many of which live in rural and remote areas.

RFDS central operations deputy chairman Paul Prestwich said, “BHP’s sponsorship will directly support our capital-raising program for on-going upgrade of our fleet of ‘flying intensive care units’ that deliver 24/7 emergency aeromedical services throughout South and Central Australia.

“Our association with BHP Olympic Dam stretches back more than a decade, and we’re extremely proud to renew BHP as a major sponsor of RFDS Central Operations.”

With a life-saving history of 90 years, RFDS flies over 15 aeromedical trips daily across South Australia on the back of its community’s financial support.

Olympic Dam is 560km north of Adelaide, and contains the world’s largest deposits of copper, gold and uranium.

Tyler said, “We’ve been operating in remote South Australia for 30 years, and we understand the vital role the RFDS has played over many years in helping people across the state during times of great need.

“Olympic Dam is proud to support the RFDS, and we hope our contribution will make a lasting difference to South Australia’s regional, rural and remote communities.”

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