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The day we rang Neil Davidson for a chat, he was in the middle of managing a tricky retrieval case.

“We have a complex patient who needs to be transferred from the West Coast to Christchurch. It’s a higher risk transfer so we’re working carefully with everyone involved to make sure we’re all on the same page.”

It’s these complex cases that land on Neil’s desk. Dr Neil Davidson is an Intensive Care Specialist. He has been involved with the New Zealand Flying Doctor Service for 16 years and has been the service’s Aeromedical Retrieval Specialist Clinical Lead for four years.

While an intensive care specialist and flight coordinator are on call 24/7 for the air retrieval service, Neil is called when there’s a trickier situation or one that involves coordinating a lot of moving parts.

“Often my role involves finding solutions to what can be complex situations. At the centre of it all is the needs of the patient. We look at their needs first and then make sure we have the right clinical skillset on each flight to meet those needs.

“It’s challenging but when we get it right, it’s really satisfying.”

This year, Neil has been working closely with the Neonatal Retrieval Team as they introduce the new transport incubators to the service. The incubators were funded by the New Zealand Flying Doctor Trust.

“I’m always humbled by everybody involved in the New Zealand Flying Doctor Service. The Trust, pilots, nursing staff, and the community – everybody’s passionate and dedicated. They just want to do the right thing for the patients and, as a result, they go the extra mile every day.”

One of those who Neil says always goes above and beyond is Arthur Ruddenklau, Operations Manager at the New Zealand Flying Doctor Service.

“Arthur is brilliant. He’s got an amazing moral compass and is always heading in the right direction. He’s pragmatic, incredibly patient, and very patient focused.”

Looking to the future of the Service, Neil says demand will continue to be high.

“We’re lucky in Christchurch as we have a great relationship with the rescue helicopter team. If we get a time critical job we might refer it to the rescue helicopter crew, and if they get a case that requires specialist clinical intervention, they will give us a call. It’s great teamwork.”

Both the rescue helicopter service and the New Zealand Flying Doctor Service is based out of the GCH Aviation Air Rescue Base – a fact Neil says supports that high level of collaboration.

“Everyone in air retrieval is passionate about their work and about helping people. It’s a privilege to be part of something that makes such a difference.”