Emergency aeromedical retrieval for offshore energy workers

Background

Gas production off the coast of Western Australia (WA) is a cornerstone of the nation’s energy supply. These operations stretch across remote offshore and coastal regions, including the Timor Sea, North West Shelf, Barrow Island, Exmouth and the Browse Basin. Facilities are often hundreds of kilometres from the nearest hospital, making timely access to emergency care essential. 

To meet this need, Aspen Medical delivers the Western Australia Resources Aeromedical Evacuation (WARAME) service on behalf of a consortium of oil and gas operators. Since 2009, we have provided 24/7 retrieval, triage and clinical support for thousands of workers in these isolated environments. 

Approach

Aspen Medical delivers a comprehensive aeromedical retrieval solution designed for complex and remote industrial settings. Our service includes: 

• two dual-stretcher Cessna Citation 560 jets based in Karratha, providing ICU-level care during transfer. We also have an additional Cessna Citation 560 available, currently in a single stretcher configuration, giving us additional capability if required. 
• 24/7 clinical coordination and case management from Karratha 
• highly trained emergency physicians, intensive care paramedics and aviation crews 
• helicopter transfer coordination from offshore platforms and vessels 
• ongoing patient liaison and coordination with hospitals and regional health services 
• data capture, audit and reporting to support continuous quality improvement. 

We operate under strict response time targets—45 minutes during daylight hours and 60 minutes at night—and are prepared to respond to mass casualty or high-acuity medical events across WA. 

Results

Aspen Medical has provided critical care and evacuation for nearly 1,500 patients since the WARAME service began. Retrievals have included: 

• trauma care for a rig worker struck by a two-tonne crane hook and knocked overboard 
• neurological stabilisation of a diver stung by an Irukandji jellyfish 
• emergency stroke intervention for a patient evacuated from international waters 
• retrieval of paediatric and trauma cases when other services were unavailable. 

We also support regional health partners, including the Royal Flying Doctor Service and local hospitals, when additional retrieval capacity is required. 

Outcome

Aspen Medical’s delivery of the WARAME service provides oil and gas operators with peace of mind, ensuring that high-quality medical care is available wherever their people are working. Our integrated model combines clinical leadership, aviation capability and 24/7 readiness to protect the lives and wellbeing of workers across Australia’s offshore energy sector.