[singlepic id=239 w=320 h=240 float=left]The Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) today recognised its finest performers across Far North Queensland at a Star Care Awards ceremony held in Cairns.
Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt said today’s ceremony was a unique opportunity to celebrate and reward the vital role of QAS staff across Far North Queensland.
“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 Pitt 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 mile to ensure the safety and wellbeing of fellow Queenslanders.”
QAS Deputy Commissioner Russell Bowles said twelve-year-old Trenae Jia and seven-year-old Kelci Jia were both named the region’s Young Heroes of the Year after their quick thinking and extraordinary bravery saved their mother’s life after she suffered a medical condition while driving.
“The girls were travelling along one of the busiest streets in Cairns on May 21 when they noticed their mother start to lose consciousness, Trenae quickly grabbed the handbrake and switched on the hazard lights before both sisters leaped out of the vehicle and called for help from bystanders,” Mr Bowles said.
“Trenae was able to also inform bystanders exactly what was wrong with her mother while Kelci was extremely brave during the whole event, keeping calm and doing whatever she could to help.
“The girls showed oustanding courage and maturity beyond their years and were deserving of the young hero award.”
[singlepic id=243 w=320 h=240 float=left]Mr Bowles said it was an honour to also present a number of awards to officers across Far North Queensland who deserved to be publicly recognised for their oustanding achievements.
“Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD), Karen Beattie of Cairns was named Far Northern Regions EMD of the year for her approach at handling triple zero (000) calls and her ability to guide and mentor fellow colleagues,” Mr Bowles said.
Meanwhile, Advanced Care Paramedic Adam Byrne of Cairns was awarded the title of Far Northern Region Paramedic of the Year.
“Adam is a very solid clinician renowned for paying particular attention to the welfare and safety of his patients. His commitment to community engagement is endless and he is known to contribute his own personal time to attend school visits, public and career days.”
Awards were also presented to: Constance Rovina of Cairns Ambulance Station – Patient Transport Officer of the Year; Mareeba Station – Ambulance Station of the Year; Eunice Hosea of St Pauls Community Moa Island 1st responder group – Honorary Ambulance Officer of the Year; Lisette Brake of South Johnstone – LAC Achiever of the year; and Dawn Leary – Support Officer of the Year.
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.
Ambulance Week is an annual event coordinated by the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) designed to celebrate and recognise the dedication and commitment of QAS members, paid and volunteer, operational and non-operational and past and present.
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