The Hodgman Liberal Government today thanked paramedics and volunteer ambulance officers for their dedication and service at an Ambulance Tasmania awards ceremony in Launceston.
I was delighted to be able to present 15 staff with a range of awards on behalf of the Health Minister Michael Ferguson, including three National Medals, three National Medal Clasps, four Intensive Care Paramedic qualifications and a range of recognition awards.
All of these salaried and volunteer officers have earned the respect of their workmates and Tasmanians for their dedication to the challenging work of Ambulance Tasmania.
Paramedics play a vitally important role helping Tasmanians in their hour of need and it is important that we recognise and applaud their commitment and skill.
Thanks to our paramedics, Tasmanians can have the peace of mind of knowing that the ambulance service will always be there in an emergency.
Special recognition should also go to Mr Chris Chapman for providing 44 years of diligent service to the public.
Mr Chapman was presented with a retirement plaque after recently retiring as an Intensive Care Paramedic and Branch Station Officer.
The National Medal – part of the Australian system of honours and awards – is awarded for 15 years of service in organisations such as Ambulance, Police, Fire and SES whose staff help the community in times of crisis at some risk to themselves.
A clasp is awarded for each additional 10 years of service.
Ambulance Tasmania provides a service to the Tasmanian community 24 hours-a-day, every day of the year.
The organisation employs 350 staff of which 270 are paramedics. They are supported by 500 volunteer Ambulance Officers.