Rural hospitals face unique challenges in providing emergency care to communities due to their small size and remote locations. On average, rural emergency departments see 46 patients per day, with about 38% being high acuity cases. Medical staff are only rostered from 8am to 10pm, so hospitals rely on over 150 helicopter transfers per year. Rural communities expect access to emergency services 24/7 with adequately skilled doctors and nurses. Very small, remote hospitals like the one in Quilpie, population 600, are staffed by one doctor and a minimal nursing roster, highlighting the need for support of rural medical staff.