Rescue Doctor Selected To Join Elite Ranks With London Air Ambulance

By Hannah McNamara

After two decades of dedicated service in the medical field, Dr. Ben Shepherd, clinical lead at CQ Rescue in Mackay, has recently been selected for an exclusive secondment with the London Air Ambulance, one of the world’s most advanced helicopter emergency medical services. This prestigious opportunity places him among a select group of helicopter rescue doctors - fewer than 1 per cent globally - who have achieved this milestone.

The selection process for this role is fiercely competitive, often filled years in advance. For Dr. Shepherd, this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity not only sharpens his trauma care expertise but also brings cutting-edge medical insights back to the Mackay region.

Dr. Ben Shepherd, clinical lead at CQ Rescue in Mackay, has been selected for an exclusive secondment with the London Air Ambulance, joining the elite ranks of fewer than 1 per cent of helicopter rescue doctors globally. Photo supplied

Despite the significance of this honour, Dr. Shepherd remains characteristically humble, emphasising the collaborative nature of his work and the broader team effort at CQ Rescue.

“I think I’ve been a bit lucky with the selection process,” Dr. Shepherd said.

“I’m very grateful, and this is a great opportunity for me to improve my own knowledge and skills and work alongside world leaders in trauma care.

“Hopefully, I can bring some of that back to our team here to help with training and education locally.”

The London Air Ambulance operates in one of the busiest cities in the world, using cutting-edge technology and advanced trauma care procedures. Dr. Shepherd is eager to learn from their innovations, which he says are at the forefront of pre-hospital trauma care.

“London is the place where some of the most advanced trauma care techniques are developed and applied,” he explained.

“I’m looking forward to learning from them and seeing how we can adapt some of their practices to benefit our local community.”

Dr. Shepherd’s career in helicopter EMS spans six years, with nearly five of those dedicated to CQ Rescue in Mackay. In addition to flying missions as a specialist on the rescue helicopter, he plays a key role in training the team’s doctors and paramedics.

While he is passionate about saving lives in the field, Dr. Shepherd finds equal fulfillment in mentoring new medical professionals.

“What I enjoy most is helping people who are coming into the medical industry for the first time and seeing them gain confidence in this challenging role.” he said.

“To see them develop and enjoy themselves is probably what I enjoy the most about this role.

“I love my job and it’s incredibly rewarding to work within a motivated, high-performing team.”

This secondment marks the first time a CQ Rescue doctor - and possibly anyone from the Mackay region - has been selected to work with the London Air Ambulance. However, Dr. Shepherd is quick to deflect attention from his personal achievements.

“There are so many talented people in this industry who are just as deserving of an opportunity like this,” he said.

“It’s not really about me…I’m just lucky to have the chance to learn from the best and bring that knowledge back to our team.

“I’m just happy to go about my work.”

As part of CQ Rescue, Dr. Shepherd has witnessed firsthand the importance of helicopter EMS in regional communities like Mackay. The service often intervenes during the most critical moments of people’s lives, responding to emergencies that would otherwise be difficult to reach.

“Our team, full of doctors, paramedics, aircrew, engineers, and support staff, works tirelessly to provide the best care possible during someone’s worst day,” Dr. Shepherd shared.

His upcoming experience in London will undoubtedly enhance CQ Rescue’s ability to serve the Mackay community. Beyond his personal development though, Dr. Shepherd sees this opportunity as a chance to strengthen the entire team.

As he prepares for this career-defining secondment, Dr. Shepherd remains grounded, focused, and committed to his cherished work colleagues and community.

“I’m proud to be part of a team that’s so dedicated to helping others,” he said.

“This isn’t about me…Ultimately, it’s about delivering better outcomes for the people we serve.”

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