David Cooksley

Wing Commander David Cooksley, a reservist medical officer, helps make sure our aeromedical evacuation skills are top notch. David, an emergency medicine specialist in his civvy life, is a critical care transport instructor when he dons his #AusAirForce uniform. Utilising his vast experience in emergency medicine, David has been crucial in enhancing our ability to provide medical assistance when needed. It’s good to know when things go wrong, there are people like David ready to help.

David Cooksley is putting his skills in Emergency, Pre-hospital and Retrieval Medicine to good use since emigrating from New Zealand in the 1990s.

David came to Australia to undertake training in Emergency Medicine and now is part of the Royal Australian Air Force’s Health Operations Conversion Unit at RAAF Base Amberley, keeping alive the ANZAC spirit.

Wing Commander David Cooksley is Air Force's Principal 'Military Critical Care Aeromedical Evacuation Team' (MCAT) medical officer instructor.

“I've always had an interest in the military but finally began thinking seriously about joining the ADF approximately 16 years ago while working in Townsville,” said Wing Commander Cooksley.

“Townsville is a city with a strong military presence and I felt I might be able to contribute a little to the ADF with my medical knowledge and skills in Emergency, Pre-hospital and Retrieval Medicine.

“Now that I ponder about what it means to be part of Air Force's first 100 years, I'm incredibly proud, and feel genuinely blessed by the privilege, of being part of something so great!” he said.

The Australian Defence Force is well known for its Humanitarian and Disaster Relief operations and WGCDR Cooksley is working with the MRH90 Projects Office and Airbus Helicopters as one of the subject matter experts for the MRH90 helicopter aeromedical fit out, designed to enhance medical assistance when needed.

“Being a Reservist and trying to manage a civilian career while making a useful contribution to Defence can be hard,” said WGCDR Cooksley.

“Working away from family for extended periods of time while on deployment or exercise is hard at times and without a very supportive wife and family it would be impossible. They're the unsung heroes.

“There’s still a little time for leisure though and in the past I used to fly aeroplanes and helicopters for fun and I'm keen to get back to that one day, soon!

“I'd love to build a kit plane that one can fly in,” he said.

The vitally important work done by the Joint Health Command of the ADF contributed to the effective COVID-19 response by the ADF and the work of medical professionals like WGCDR Cooksley continues to build on the extensive medical capabilities of the ADF.

“I think one thing that really surprised me is just how many different opportunities open up once you join the ADF - especially if you're willing to get involved,” said Wing Commander Cooksley.

“I love the ability to contribute to something that's important for this nation.

“I love the camaraderie and opportunity to engage in interesting and challenging activities in Australia and abroad,” he continued.