20 November 2008

First annual Thank a Paramedic Day

NSW Minister for Health, John Della Bosca will today mark the first annual 'Thank a Paramedic Day' with a celebration with NSW Ambulance Paramedics and families in Sydney today.

Mr Della Bosca said 'Thank a Paramedic Day' was being held across the state, with official ceremonies in Sydney, Newcastle, Goulburn and Wellington.

"The NSW State Government is proud to be behind this special day that gives recognition to the life saving work performed by our paramedics," Mr Della Bosca said.

"On this special day throughout NSW paramedics will get the opportunity to re-unite with patients or families of patients whose lives they may have touched or saved.

"In 2007/08 over 838,000 people in the NSW dialled triple zero in an emergency and asked for help from Ambulance.

"From the time that call is taken at the Ambulance Operation Centres to the arrival of the paramedics, people are comforted and assured that life saving intervention is at hand," he said.

"As I move around the State talking to paramedics the one thing that comes through loud and clear is that paramedics join Ambulance to serve the community and make a difference.

"They come from diverse backgrounds and professions, from plumbers to carpenters, bank tellers to architects and all for the same reason - to care for people.

"Each year Ambulance receives hundreds of letters from people wanting to express their heartfelt thanks to paramedics who have touched their lives," the Minister said.

"This day now gives the community the opportunity to say thanks to thousands of dedicated Ambulance paramedics in person.

"In times of an emergency people get swept up in the emotion of the moment, and after the incident passes often wish they had been able to communicate their appreciation more.

"As a community we owe a great deal to our paramedics and while for the most time they remain selfless and nameless this day will ensure that they get some of the recognition they deserve," he added.

Divisional event details:

Sydney Division
10:30am
Masonic Centre,
Corner Castlereagh and Goulburn Streets, Haymarket.

Western Division
10.30am
Wellington Station
Thornton Street, Wellington

Northern Division
10.30am
Hamilton Station
75 Denison Street, Corner of the Parkway Ave Hamilton

Southern Division
10.30am
Best Western Centretown,
77 Lagoon Street, Goulburn

For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au