Indigenous language-speakers in rural Northern Territory can expect better communication with air ambulance staff after a leading service introduced cutting-edge digital communication tools.
Aeromedical service CareFlight has developed animated video content in Indigenous languages to foster better communication between First Nations patients and English-speaking staff.
The videos explain patients' rights and expectations as well as detailing how to provide feedback and complaints.
"We had a poster that was full of English language that, you know, was quite long," CareFlight nursing director Amanda Quinn said.
"And we kind of looked at it going, how can we do this in a more meaningful way?"
The videos, created by Indigenous graphic designers Echo Whiskey with support from Viva Energy, will be presented on an iPad and available in nine languages that can be selected on a map.
CareFlight mapped the nine most common Indigenous languages in the region, which include Kriol and Warlpiri, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"We talked about iPads for patients to be able to distract them if they're in pain, particularly for the kids, and we kind of went, well, we could combine this" Ms Quinn said.
The service estimates about 90 per cent of its patients in rural NT are Indigenous and it expects the program will significantly improve the delivery of healthcare in the region.
"We're picking up some of the most vulnerable patients on the worst days of their life," Ms Quinn said.
"We're always wanting to make sure our messaging gets across and the patient feels more comfortable and supported."
