September 13, 2019
A Kingaroy ambulance officer who forced his way through fire and smoke to retrieve one of the victims from an horrific head-on crash south of Kumbia earlier this year has been recognised at the QAS Commissioner’s Achievement Awards in Brisbane.
Advanced Care Paramedic Daniel Brownsey was presented with the Courage and Integrity award by QAS Commissioner Russell Bowles on Friday.
His citation reads:
“Daniel displayed incredible courage and integrity whilst attending a fatal traffic crash on the Bunya Highway in Kumbia which occurred in May of this year. When Daniel arrived at the scene, he was informed there was a child in the grass, obstructed by fire and smoke. Daniel covered his head with his jacket and made his way through the fire and thick smoke to reach the girl. He found her, undertook a rapid assessment and initiated patient care whilst securing assistance to get the patient to a safe area. Daniel showed courage, passion and dedication to provide the best available treatment in dangerous circumstances.”
Five people died in the incident, which involved a sedan and a semi-trailer.
The driver of the sedan, a 35-year-old Eli Waters woman, and three of her children – two boys and a girl – died at the scene.
The girl found near the crash site was rushed by ambulance to Kingaroy Hospital with critical injuries but sadly later died.
A police report into the crash has been prepared for the Coroner.
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The awards ceremony brought together around 300 paramedics, emergency medical dispatchers, patient transport officers, corporate staff, volunteers and family.
Ambulance officers and volunteers from around Queensland gathered to recognise the excellent work of their peers over the past 12 months and to pay tribute to colleagues who have died while on duty.
“The awards and remembrance service gives us a chance to pause for a moment to recognise the outstanding achievements within our organisation and reflect on our proud history,” QAS Commissioner Russell Bowles said.
“It’s an opportunity to applaud those of us who have performed their duties above and beyond what is expected of them as well as acknowledge officers that have served Queenslanders for many decades.”
Service medals – including National Medals and Long Service Medals – were also presented.
The ceremony began with a Remembrance Service to honour and pay respect to the 36 Queensland Ambulance officers who have died over the years while performing their duties.
Families and loved ones gathered at the ceremony and laid wreaths as the Candle of Remembrance was lit to mark their sacrifice.
