Week Celebrates Professionalism And Dediation Of State's Ambos

The professionalism, dedication and commitment of the state's paramedics and those who work to support them will be recognised during Ambulance Week, which kicks-off on Monday , Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts said today.

Mr Roberts said there were currently more than 3,100 highly-trained paramedics working across Queensland, supported by patient transport officers, communications officers and administrative staff.

"No matter whether they are working on the frontline or in a support capacity, each and every person employed by the Queensland Ambulance Service works towards a common goal - the safety and protection of Queenslanders," Mr Roberts said.

"Ambulance Week is a time to stop and think about the tremendous contribution ambulance officers and staff make to our community.

"Whether it's a response to an emergency situation, like a tragic road crash, or the proper installation of a baby capsule into your car, Queensland Ambulance Service personnel are on-hand to assist."

Mr Roberts said Ambulance Week was also a time to pay tribute to those from the community who volunteered their time to assist the Queensland Ambulance Service and its staff.

"The QAS is fortunate to have hundreds of volunteers assisting it ranging from honorary ambulance officers and first responders, to members of Local Ambulance Committees," he said.

Mr Roberts said Queensland had every right to be proud of its ambulance service.

"Queensland's ambulance service is one of the best, if not THE best, in the country," he said.

"Our paramedics respond to around 750,000 incidents every year, which equates to around one response every 42 seconds.

"In 2008-09, the QAS responded to 50 percent of Code 1 life-threatening incidents in 8.4 minutes, almost two minutes faster that the New South Wales Ambulance Service. Ninety percent of Code 1 incidents were attended within 17.2 minutes.

"In 2009-10, and despite a 7 percent increase in the number of Code 1 incidents, response times improved to 8.1 minutes for the 50th percentile and 16.4 minutes for the 90th percentile."

Mr Roberts said a series of events had been planned across the state to recognise and honour the outstanding work of the state's top performing staff.

Memorial services will also be held across the State to pay tribute to the ambulance officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

"Our paramedics do a great job, often going above and beyond the call of duty in their commitment to helping Queenslanders in need.

"They deserve our thanks and recognition and Ambulance Week is the perfect opportunity."

Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Emergency Services
The Honourable Neil Roberts
03/09/2010

Permanent Link: Week Celebrates Professionalism And Dediation Of State's Ambos
Publish Date: 05 Sep 10