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After joining as a volunteer at the age of 17, current Intensive Care Paramedic Graeme Jones has marked five decades with Ambulance Tasmania.
Mr Jones continues to work across Tasmania’s North and East Coast and remains passionate about his job which he plans to continue to do for a few more years.
“It is a fabulous job; I’ve loved every moment of it and there’s never been a time in my 50 years that I’ve wanted to leave the service.
“I’ve done a little bit of everything – it’s just a great job and it is so different every day,” he said.
Some memorable moments from the past five decades include countless Search and Rescue efforts, aiding helicopter crash survivors in the Central Highlands, delivering over 20 babies (including three in the space of four days at George Town) and providing care during the Beaconsfield Mine collapse in 2006.
"I think respect is probably the biggest quality that a paramedic should have, respect for their patients. I’ve always respected my patients and do the utmost I can for them,” he said.
On Tuesday 6 August, Mr Jones was invited to the Health Executive meeting hosted in Launceston and was honoured with speeches and a certificate presented by Department of Health Acting Secretary, Dale Webster.
Ambulance Tasmania Chief Executive, Jordan Emery, thanked Mr Jones for his past and ongoing contributions to the organisation.
“Graeme is just one of the most incredible human beings that we have at Ambulance Tasmania.
“When you reflect on the fact that after 50 years, he is still turning out to patients every day, that he’s still working on a truck, working night shift, doing call outs at night, it’s just remarkable and inspiring,” Mr Emery said.
Ambulance Tasmania Director of Operations North, Alistair Shephard, reflected on working with Mr Jones.
“I started with Graeme as a student ambulance officer 18 years ago, so I’ve got lots of memories working alongside him.
“The staff in the North have such enormous respect for Graeme and I certainly congratulate him on his 50 years,” Mr Shephard said.