August 31, 2023
Kingaroy QAS officer-in-charge Mei-Lin Dean has been nominated as a QBANK Everyday Hero for fulfilling her passion to help those in need.
She started her journey to become a paramedic in 2014, before heading to Murgon Station in 2016.
Mei-Lin was appointed OIC at Kingaroy in 2019 but has also relieved at other stations across the south-west region.
At the Kingaroy Local Ambulance Committee AGM on Tuesday night, Mei-Lin was quizzing members to see if they knew who had put her name forward, as she was surprised by the honour.
“To be nominated as an Everyday Hero is an acknowledgment that I am doing something right and reminds me to ask myself what else can I do,” she said.
“I believe that I am only as good as the foundation beneath me, which is the team of colleagues I get to work with on a daily basis.”
Mei-Lin said it was rewarding to work in a role that made a difference to the lives of everyday people.
“Most times when we respond in the community we become the first point of contact for the patient and are trusted to make decisions that impact the patient’s well-being,” she said.
“Little things can make a difference to someone, whether it be holding their hand in desperate times, taking the time to talk to them when they are most vulnerable or giving them some reassurance.
“I enjoy the variety of work, the autonomy, and working with a wonderful team that provides me with ongoing support each and every day.”
Ms Dean said the South Burnett was a caring and close-knit community that worked together to create a great place to live and work.
“Living in the community I work in at times can be difficult, as I probably know the patient I am attending to and will most likely see them at the most vulnerable point of their lives, but seeing the difference we make, definitely makes it easier,” she said.
Nominations for the QBANK Everyday Heroes Awards closed on Thursday.
The awards, now in their ninth year, celebrate the exceptional achievements of people within Queensland Police, Fire, Health, Corrections, Justice and the Public Service, including educators.
The six award categories are Achievement, Ownership, Dedication, Working Together, Excellence and the Young Everyday Hero Award.
Winners will be selected by a panel of judges and will receive $2000 deposited into a QBANK account and $2000 donated to a charity of their choice.
Finalists will be announced in September and winners will be recognised at the annual awards dinner in Brisbane on October 27.
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Kingaroy QAS staff and Local Ambulance Committee are very proud of our OIC and this nomination just adds to the reasons why. Congratulations Mei-Lin, you are obviously doing a great job. Thank you 👏✨