Ambulance Week 2010 - North Coast ambulance personnel awarded

The Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) today recognised its finest performers across North Coast Region at a Star Care awards ceremony held in Bundaberg.

Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts said today's ceremony was a unique opportunity to celebrate and reward the vital role of QAS staff across the North Coast.

"Today's recipients have gone above and beyond the call of duty, demonstrated bravery and determination, saved lives and provided a remarkable standard of service to members of their community," Mr Roberts said.

"It's great to present these awards during Ambulance Week, a state-wide celebration of the dedication and commitment exhibited by QAS paramedics, staff and volunteers."

"The week presents the perfect opportunity to showcase the wonderful contribution made by QAS staff to our local community, and that is precisely what the Star Care Awards are all about."

"Each of the recipients of today's Awards has gone the extra mi le to ensure the safety and wellbeing of fellow Queenslanders."

QAS Commissioner David Melville said Advanced Care Paramedic David Lane of Caloundra was named the North Coast Region's Paramedic of the Year for his oustanding patient care and ongoing support of QAS volunteers.

"David has been instrumental in designing and implementing the pain management package for all first responders, he has a passion for education and his enthusiasm has resulted in volunteer groups providing strong support to QAS operational staff in rural and remote communities," Commissioner Melville said.

Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) Anthony Rusk of Caloundra was acknowledged for being the calm voice on the other end of the phone people can rely on at the scene of an emergency.

"Anthony's sense of urgency in his performance as an EMD is highly regarded and saw him receive the title of North Coast Regions Emergency Medical Dispatcher of the Year.

"Sunshine Coast teenager Pia Akers was also named the regions Young Hero of the Year for saving her grandfathers life by performing CPR after he went into cardiac arrest late last year," Commissioner Melville said.

The awards ceremony coincided with Ambulance Week (6-12 September) celebrations and recognised ambulance officers, support staff, volunteers and community members who had made a significant contribution toward the provision of top class emergency response to the sick and injured.

Awards were also presented to: Shaun Donnelly of Hervey Bay - Patient Transport Officer of the Year; Maroochydore Station - Ambulance Station of the Year; Rod Hogan - Support Officer of the Year; Philippa Ann (Pip) Mayson of Yarraman - Honorary Ambulance Officer of the Year; and Doug Packer of Caloundra - Local Ambulance Committee Achiever of the Year.

Ambulance Week is an annual event coordinated by the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) designed to celebrate and recognise t he dedication and commitment of QAS members, paid and volunteer, operational and non-operational and past and present.

Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Emergency Services
The Honourable Neil Roberts
09/09/2010

Permanent Link: Ambulance Week 2010 - North Coast ambulance personnel awarded
Publish Date: 09 Sep 10