Past and current members of Queensland Ambulance Service exchanged tales at the celebration of 100 years of ambulance service in Childers on Saturday.
Historic ambulance vehicles and equipment were proudly displayed for community members to take in the changes over the century before witnessing Queensland Ambulance Service members receive awards for service.
Paramedic Chris Kehoe, 42, received both an Emergency Medal and a National Service Medal for his time in the Queensland Ambulance Service.
Joining in 2005, Chris, who was a qualified electrician at the time, said it was one of the best decisions of his life.
“I started here at Childers in 2019, before this I worked in Home Hill during the floods and I was awarded the emergency medal for continuous service there, and the National Service Medal was for 15 years of service last year,” Chris said.
“You don’t do this for the medals though. There’s something different.
“You go home and you don’t think about the workday, but I’m glad to have played a role in helping others.”
Chris said becoming a paramedic allowed him to travel and also have experiences he would never have had without joining the service.
“I’ve never delivered a baby – I’m a 16-year-old virgin for that – as I touch wood,” Chris laughed.
“You never say never to anything though!
“I'm a reliever, so i get to travel around a bit too.”
Childers Ambulance Station Officer in Charge Michael Formica said he had the honour of taking on this role 18 months ago, and he looked forward to many years of service within the Childers community.
“It’s great to see some of the old faces as well as the new that are here today, and I thank everyone for coming to celebrate with us,” Michael said.
“I’d like to thank the families of all of our members, I think they play a significant role in helping to make our jobs successful.”
Bundaberg Mayor Jack Dempsey thanked the Queensland Ambulance Service personnel who helped to lay the foundations right across the Bundaberg Region.
“Every vehicle and piece of equipment is only as good as the people who serve within it, or are able to use it, and this has been done with a great deal of distinction in Childers for 100 years,” Mayor Dempsey said.
“That’s 100 years of people giving their heart and soul to this community because they understand the benefit of giving.
“It’s very special to celebrate – a time to reflect on what’s happened in the past and what the future can bring to the community of Childers.”
It’s impossible to say how many lives have been impacted by QAS personnel but the significant role Childers Ambulance Station has played within the community remains vital.
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