An occasion I am familiar with where the prompt professionalism and skill of dedicated Aero Med staff saved a young mans life was in late 2003, when I got a call from the sister to get to Tennant Creek to help on their property. The Head Stockmans son had had an accident on a four wheeler on the service road alongside the new railway. Unknown to him and his school chum on the back, a contractor had just graded new table drains to shed the water away from the rail line across the road at intervals. They drove headfirst into one at speed. The lad was smashed about the head and unconcious, with liver and internal injuries, and the friend had both arms broken among other injuries. He had a mobile phone but couldn't even press the buttons with his nose to call for help, but staggered a couple of miles to alert the family. On the air evacuation, the unconcious lad's breathing (or heart) stopped, but they got him started again. After a brief stop in Alice Springs to stabilize him, he was later flown on to Adelaide where he spent many months recovering. His mother and father also went to be with him. It was touch and go for some time. Well done people, thanks from all our families. Don't let the petty politics prevent the efficient provison of this Essential Service.. frigate