Paramedics, Triple Zero call takers and community members have been awarded for their heroic actions and achievements on NSW Ambulance Appreciation Day.

Minister for Health Brad Hazzard said the annual day was a chance to recognise the courage and leadership shown by NSW Ambulance staff every day.

“All NSW Ambulance staff – from the frontline through to those working behind the scenes – literally save lives every day and many have heroically risked their own lives to do so,” Mr Hazzard said.

“Our incredible hardworking paramedics, Triple Zero (000) call takers, dispatchers, volunteers, doctors and nurses and non-operational staff all deserve our thanks.”

In the past year alone, NSW Ambulance has answered, on average, a Triple Zero (000) call for help every 26 seconds, assisting more than 1.15 million people.

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive, Dr Dominic Morgan, said the awards presented to the community and staff recognise heroic rescues, extraordinary contributions, years of dedicated service, and other achievements.

“Today we are encouraging people to head to the NSW Ambulance Facebook page, Twitter or Instagram and leave a message for our staff using the hashtag #ThanksNSWA,” Dr Morgan said.

Mr Hazzard presented the 2019 NSW Health Minister’s Annual Bursary for Excellence Award to Inspector Jenny Potter for her professionalism, dedication and clinical skills.

“Inspector Potter has been employed at NSW Ambulance for 22 years and she has gone above and beyond in carrying out her duties, showing courtesy, compassion, leadership and courage,” Mr Hazzard said.

The NSW Government is investing more than $1 billion in NSW Ambulance in 2019-2020 – a record Budget – which will fund 221 extra paramedics and call centre staff. These staff are the second tranche of the 750 paramedics and call centre staff to be deployed over four years.