Minister congratulates first paramedic graduates

A partnership between the Queensland Government and the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) has produced the first group of university-trained paramedics in the State.

In a ceremony today, Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts and Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) Commissioner Jim Higgins presented the class of 39 graduands with their officer’s epaulettes.

“This is a momentous occasion for the students, QUT and the QAS. I congratulate the graduands on the completion of their degrees,” Mr Roberts said.

“All Queenslanders will benefit from having a tertiary institution playing a role in preparing work-ready paramedics.”

"With increasing demand for ambulance services, the QAS is recruiting an additional 250 ambulance officers this financial year. These graduands will boost ambulance services in Queensland."

Mr Roberts applauded the relationship between the QAS and QUT.

“QUT has proven to be an excellent partner for the Queensland Ambulance Service.

“The relationship has produced an innovative degree that gives potential paramedics an alternative pathway into the QAS."

QUT’s Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health, Professor Ken Bowman AM, said the university had benefited strongly from the input and interaction of QAS staff.

“QUT appreciates the strong support it has received from Queensland Ambulance Service during the introduction of the paramedic degree program,” Professor Bowman said.

“This first graduating class will provide highly skilled health professionals for the paramedic workforce.”

Twenty-two year old graduand Prue Snedden began studying nursing but made the switch to the paramedic degree when it first became available.

“I’ve always wanted to be a paramedic from when I was very young,” she said.

“I was too young to do it straight after school, so I did a nursing degree instead. When I was ready to start paramedic training I heard about this new degree and applied straight away.

“The course has made me job ready, I’m confident, I have knowledge and I know how to apply it.”

The three year Bachelor of Health Science (Paramedic) began in 2005.

All graduands have received offers of employment from the QAS.

Media contact: Kirby Anderson 07 3247 8194, 0418 197 350
Brendan Connell 07 3247 8992, 0437 837 976