QAS INSIGHT | Summer 2017-18 edition

THANK YOU :)

11/10/17 8:43 pm however, she missed out. It was the cat’s lucky day not mine or the dog’s. It was a good trip to the hospital with humour. Thanks once again! Christine, Rasmussen A big thanks to Chris (Hurlock) and Dave (Wright) for taking me to Townsville Hospital on October 20 after I fractured my wrist chasing Tess the dog back into the yard after the gate blew open and I head dived into to the concrete drive. That was Tess’s chance to chase the cat over the road after seven years of wanting it so bad, Today (August 8), for the second time in as many months, I needed to call [Triple Zero] for assistance. My husband, who has advanced Parkinson’s disease and unsealed fractures in his neck, had fallen and had pain in his hip. Your officers Marni (Sweedman) and Mich el (Farnham) were professional and efficient but also very ‘human’, reassuring and comforting to us both. I am extremely grateful for your service. Dell, West Caloundra I would like to give a big shout out to the two ambulance officers (Lindsay Neilan and Milan Kumar) who came to my home today for my two-year-old son – who is great at keeping me grey – and had his first ride to hospital due to a neck trauma. I just wanted to say a massive thank you as they were fantastic with my little boy. I was so concerned with my son and they snuck out before I could say thank you. Alexis, Mount Coolum

Commissioner’s thanks As we saw recently with the two officers from Hervey Bay, appreciation goes a long way. We received international recognition from the simple act of kindness. In addition to the world wide recognition of the two officers, I am pleased to advise that we have received 427 letters of appreciation this year, with 866 staff acknowledged. I would like to use this as an opportunity to offer my congratulations and my sincerest thanks for all your hard work and dedication. Russell Bowles ASM QAS Commissioner Everyone has different levels of success. For me, success can never be achieved unless you have the desire to initiate it. The amazing work and commitment from staff that continuously results in appreciation letters we receive from members of the public, makes me constantly aware of what accomplishments we have made as an organisation. This month has seen an influx of thank you letters, with 304 letters received this year to date and 609 letters and emails of thanks sent to staff members. I cannot thank you enough for all your hard work.

I would like to mention the two young men (Tim Turvey and Luke Harrison) who attended my sister at Bunya Mountains last Saturday morning (August 5). These young men came from Kingaroy. I realise they were ‘just doing their jobs’, but to those of us who were standing by not being able to do anything constructive, it was a huge comfort to know that my sister was in such capable hands. They arrived, rapidly assessed the situation, stabilised her as best they could and in what was probably a very short time, though it felt like forever, they were on their way to the hospital in Kingaroy. As it turned out, it was thought best to airlift her to Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane. She arrived in Brisbane before her husband and son got back to Bunya. We are so thankful and grateful that they were able to attend this situation so promptly and we simply would like to say ‘thankyou so very much’! We will be forever grateful. Diane, Urraween

Just want to say a big thank you to the ladies (Corinne Wilkes, Kate Olive and Candice Boileau) that came to my house this morning (July 19) for my little girl and the dispatch guy (Jamaine Prieditis) who helped me stay very calm. They do an amazing job and I really appreciated them being so fantastic.

Kristie, Morningside

I want to send a quick thank you to the paramedics (Chantal Greaney and Melissa Dajic) who assessed my son and took him to hospital on Wednesday night (July 12). It was the first time I have ever had to call the ambulance and I was quite nervous in doing so – worried I was overreacting and wasting the paramedics time. The two ladies who attended our home were so calm and reassuring. They quickly assessed my son and took us to Lady Cilento, all the while distracting my son with Wiggles videos and calming a nervous and panicked mum. Thank you for such excellent service and care!!! I don't believe this service gets the recognition it deserves for all the work your paramedics do.

Russell Bowles asm QAS Commissioner I would like to take the time to express our thanks to various QAS officers for their attendance and assistance at our unplanned home birth on 4/9/2017. I commend the Triple Zero officer (Julie Ricardo) for her efficiency and ability to reassure us that help was on the way and clear instructions in the meantime. Tammy (Olsson) arrived on scene approximately 5 minutes following the birth of our son Woody and I would like to commend her professionalism, calm in the situation and ability to treat me as a fellow being rather than just a patient. She was caring, compassionate and efficient. I appreciate Tammy arranging for our transfer through to Hervey Bay Hospital. I believe Arto (Hirsimaki) and another officer (Andrew Rach) assisted with my transfer from Hunters Hut through to Hervey Bay and I found Arto to be very attentive to my needs at this time considering I was having much difficulty. I hope our message can reach the individual officers involved. Thank you to QAS for the important work you do I know we certainly needed the service on this day! Our little man Woody is doing great settling in at home with his older sister Anna, feeding and sleeping well.

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Just wanted to share pictures of our baby girl’s first birthday yesterday (November 9) after her dramatic, roadside arrival last year!

Amanda, Wellington Point

Just want to give a shout out to the LARU officer who attended my home on Monday (August 21). His name was Steve (Kliese) and we are in the Ipswich area. He was prompt, caring, compassionate, empathetic, funny and the list goes on. He had me reassured within minutes. If my thanks could be passed to his OIC that would be appreciated.

Des, Silkstone Surprisingly – or maybe not – she was my first baby to hate car rides. lol. Yesterday we went back to the bus stop she was born beside and took another photo one year on. Sadly, my husband Mark is away for work so he couldn’t be there. We still tear up every time we think about her incredible arrival and are just grateful that she was born safely that day with the help of the QAS. The paramedics who turned up Peter (Harry) and Jarryd (Wallin), along with (Gregory Lavis) and (Todd Benjamin) were so lovely! Eve is the sweetest little girl whom we simply adore and we can’t imagine our lives without her in it! Thank you again from the bottom of our hearts QAS for the wonderful work you do! Xx Jennifer, Bray Park

Darren and Kate, Lakeside

36 QAS Insight

SPRING 2017

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Summer 2017–18