An outback traveller who was badly injured when he tripped and fell over his caravan found swift medical care in the hands of a Frontier Services nurse when he was visiting the Gulf Savannah region in North Queensland.

Deryck Robinson wrote to Frontier Services to express his appreciation for the care he received when he urgently needed it on his travels.

Primary Health Care Nurse Jodie Melvin (middle) with Savannah Regional Health Service staff Paula Ransom and Anna BurleyMr Robinson and his wife Margaret arrived at the Bedrock Caravan Park in Mt Surprise in May.

While unhitching their van, Mr Robinson tripped, fell backwards over the towbar and severely lacerated his left calf.

“We were fortunate on that day to have Jodie Melvin present in Mt Surprise (from the Frontier Services Savannah Regional Health Service),” Mr Robinson wrote.

“She responded quickly to a call from the Caravan Park staff and very efficiently did all she could under the circumstances on site at the Caravan Park.”

 Jodie organised for Mr Robinson to see an RFDS doctor in Georgetown, an hour and a half away. The doctor instructed Mr Robinson to be flown to the Townsville Hospital for specialist attention by an orthopaedic surgeon.

Mr Robinson spent three days in Townsville before returning to Mt Surprise where he made several visits to the Frontier Services clinic, where again Jodie was able to attend to him.

“My wife and I are most appreciative of the attention afforded us with special thanks to Jodie for her assistance and very pleasant demeanour,” Mr Robinson wrote.

The Savannah Regional Health Service provides vital health services to families and outback visitors across the Croydon and Etheridge Shires ever y day.

Mr Robinson and his wife gave a donation to Frontier Services to express their gratitude.

Thank you to Mr and Mrs Robinson for writing to us to tell us about their experience.