September 6, 2023
The workload of Kingaroy QAS paramedics continues to grow, the recent Annual General Meeting of the Kingaroy Local Ambulance Committee was told.
Officer-in-charge Mei-Lin Dean provided a snapshot of the demands placed on Kingaroy ambulance crews:
- Code 1 (the most urgent calls) have risen from 1691 in 2021-22 to 1998 in 2022-23. So far this year, there have been 309.
- Code 2 calls have stayed more static, rising from 1796 to 1802, with 289 so far this year.
Overall, the number of calls upon Kingaroy Ambulance has risen from 5200 to 5727, with 878 so far this year.
The Kingaroy LAC – which supports the work of the Kingaroy QAS station – elected a new president at the AGM.
Darryl Dove stood down as President after serving in the position for two years.
Peter McLennan took over the role, with Darryl slipping into the Vice-President’s role.
Peter is only months away from clocking up 15 year’s service with the Kingaroy LAC.
Kay Dove was re-elected Secretary, with Sharon Leach taking over the role as Treasurer.
“You do a marvellous job,” Mei-Lin told the LAC meeting. “All the staff appreciate the effort you go to.”
Assistant Commissioner Michelle Baxter was the special guest at the AGM.
Also acknowledged on the night were the long service on the LAC of John and Chris Box (over 16 years and over 15 years) and Debbie Jackson (almost 15 years).
- Related article: Mei-Lin Nominated As Everyday Hero
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Highlights from the President’s Report:
- A combined LAC social dinner was held at Wondai RSL in February with representatives from the Murgon, Proston and Kingaroy LACs attending
- At at August 29, there were 20 staff at the Kingaroy QAS station, including paramedics, graduate paramedics and patient transport officers
- During the year, Assistant Commissioner Michelle Baxter presented National Emergency Medals to paramedics Renae Birch and Patrick Hides, five-year service pins to LAC members Danita Potter and John Shaw, and a bar to his National Emergency Medal to paramedic Ian Merton.
- Under 8s week was a great success with Axel the mini-ambulance proving very popular
- Peter McLennan continues to perform his role as CPR Lead Peer Trainer, arranging CPR awareness among community groups
- The LAC provided carry bags for the station’s Hovermatt and Hoverjack equipment
- A Combi Carrier stretcher has been ordered and will be donated by the LAC when it arrives
- Kay and Darryl Dove attended the LAC State Conference in Ayr from August 11-13.
Thank you southburnett.com.au for your ongoing support of the QAS and Kingaroy LAC.
Your help getting our message out into the community is very much appreciated.