Paramedics the most trusted profession time and time again

Published Tuesday, 17 June, 2014 at 01:05 PM

Minister for Health
The Honourable Lawrence Springborg

Paramedics have taken out the top spot in the annual Reader’s Digest ‘Most Trusted Profession’ poll, highlighting the importance of the Government’s commitment to frontline services.

Health Minister Lawrence Springborg was at Caboolture ambulance station with Member for Pumicestone Lisa France and Member for Morayfield Darren Grimwade and said it was no surprise that paramedics had secured top honours for 11 years running. 

“They’re on the frontline, doing an outstanding job in keeping Queensland families safe,” Mr Springborg said.

“We promised at the election to revitalise frontline services and our strong plan is already producing results and a brighter future.”

Mr Springborg said Caboolture was part of the Metro North Local Ambulance Service Network, where in the past two years, families had benefited from an average reduction in code one ambulance response times of more than a minute.

“Paramedics know seconds count in an emergency and across the state, they’re helping to deliver marked improvements in response times and better outcomes for our patients,” he said.

“The community calls on them in times of crisis, in the most difficult of circumstances and their professionalism and compassion shines through.

“Whether they’re attending serious road traffic crashes, critical medical cases such as heart attacks or strokes or even delivering a baby on the roadside, they provide some of highest standards of pre-hospital care in the world.

“Paramedics constantly study and train and face up to a challenging work environment; but they make a real difference to the lives of Queenslanders every day.

“On behalf of the Queensland Government, I thank our paramedics for their dedication.”

Reader’s Digest Editor-in-Chief Sue Carney said the poll found paramedics were held in the highest regard, ahead of the ever-reliable firefighters and emergency volunteers.

“On detailing why they deserved the top spot, one respondent remarked ‘they do a superb job under a great deal of pressure’, while another said ‘your life is in their hands’— the sentiments were as genuine as they were heartfelt,” Ms Carney said.

QAS Commissioner Russell Bowles said the 2,900 paramedics who serve the community from Coolangatta to the Cape would be honoured to be held in such high regard.

“On behalf of the service, I thank the community for their ongoing support and our hardworking paramedics for their steadfast commitment,” Mr Bowles said.

[ENDS] 17 June 2014
Media Contact: Cameron Thompson 0407 585 230