NSW Ambulance staff who have provided exceptional care to their communities have been honoured at public events held across NSW to celebrate Ambulance Appreciation Day.
More than 150 NSW Ambulance staff were recognised for commendable acts of courage and going above and beyond in their role in saving lives across the state.
NSW Ambulance Appreciation Day events were held at the State Operations Centre and ambulance stations across the state, including Central Sydney, Liverpool, Woy Woy, Blacktown, Hamilton, Kingscliff, Wagga Wagga and Bathurst to publicly recognise and celebrate our paramedics and ambulance staff members for their achievements and extraordinary care they have provided.
NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce AM attended the event at Central Sydney Ambulance Station and acknowledged the dedication and compassion of NSW Ambulance staff.
Among those recognised today were Cameron Edgar, Associate Director Helicopter Operations, Guy Blanchard, Duty Aeromedical Manager and critical care paramedic Garth Thomson who all started with NSW Ambulance on the same day 30 years ago.
Other awards presented include the Commissioner's Commendations for Courage and Service, Commissioner's Unit Citations for Courage and Service, and service recognition clasps to dedicated staff with more than 30 years of continuous service.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health, Ryan Park:
"The outstanding care paramedics and NSW Ambulance staff provide to the community is second to none and today we recognise a special cohort who have gone beyond the call of duty for the people of NSW. "Those receiving awards today have shown exceptional care to the community and remarkable courage, but I also want to acknowledge all NSW Ambulance staff who put patient care at the centre of everything they do."
Quotes attributable to NSW Health Secretary, Susan Pearce AM:
"NSW Ambulance Appreciation Day is a great opportunity to celebrate the professionalism and specialised skills of NSW Ambulance staff and recognise the important work they do around the state in the pre-hospital setting.
"I am immensely proud of all the paramedics, doctors, nurses, control centre staff, corporate staff and volunteers who are being acknowledged and awarded today."
Quotes attributable to NSW Ambulance Chief Executive, Dr Dominic Morgan:
"Today is about celebrating the remarkable achievements of NSW Ambulance staff from across the state and recognising their hard work and exceptional skills.
"I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our staff on the road, in the air, at our stations, airbases, control centres, offices and State Operations Centre for your dedication in providing excellent care to the NSW community."