Hume’s outstanding paramedics and first responders celebrated

The incredible dedication, service and achievements of Ambulance Victoria’s paramedics and first responders across Hume have been celebrated at the region’s annual Staff Recognition Awards.

The evening saw Ambulance Victoria paramedics and first responders celebrated with awards marking regional excellence, service milestones and graduations to higher qualifications.

Corryong Ambulance Community Officer (ACO) Sharyn Nankervis was named Outstanding First Responder for her exceptional leadership, compassion and dedication to her team and community.

Sharyn said she was humbled to receive the award.

“It’s an honour and I wouldn’t have been able to achieve this without the support of my team in Corryong,” she said.

“Corryong is a wonderful place to work where I know most of the patients I attend. It’s a great privilege to be able to help my hometown.”

Hume Director Regional and Clinical Operations Narelle Capp said Sharyn generously devotes her time to mentoring and supporting her team, helping them build confidence and develop their skills.

“Sharyn creates a positive and supportive learning environment where others feel encouraged to grow and succeed. Her commitment to developing those around her is a true reflection of outstanding leadership, and her dedication to strengthening both her team and the wider Corryong community,” Narelle said.

Nagambie Paramedic Neil McLeod was presented the Outstanding Paramedic award, for his work leading the local Heart Safe Community program.

Heart Safe Communities is a joint initiative by Ambulance Victoria and the Heart Foundation improving survival rates from cardiac arrest by equipping Victorian communities with the skills and resources to help save a life.

Throughout the year, Neil successfully engaged hundreds of community members in Nagambie and surrounds with the program, giving them the opportunity to learn CPR, about automated external defibrillators and the GoodSAM Responder app.

Neil said he is passionate about equipping communities with the skills to help save a life.

“Cardiac arrest can happen to anyone at any time. It could happen to someone at the bakery or in a carpark, and we know that in Victoria, 77 per cent of cardiac arrests happen in the home. What someone does when they witness a cardiac arrest, while we are on the way, is vitally important for the patient’s chance of survival,” he said.

“If more people know what to do and can have a crack at CPR and using a defibrillator before we arrive, it will save more lives. Anyone can do it with the right confidence, awareness and exposure, which is what the Heart Safe Communities program is all about.”

Narelle said what sets Neil apart is his ability to build genuine connections and bring people together around a common goal.

“Neil’s true impact is reflected in the culture he has helped to create. He has strengthened relationships with the communities he serves by building trust, creating partnerships and empowering local organisations to play an active role in improving health outcomes,” she said.

“The knowledge, skills and partnerships developed through Neil’s leadership will continue to benefit the community well into the future.”

Acting Clinical Support Officer Brenton Willey was honoured with the Clinical Excellence and Leadership award, for his efforts to improve patient care in the Hume region.

Brenton led a project reviewing how warm fluids and warming blankets are provided to patients in Hume, a project that could influence patient care across the state in the future.

Paramedics and first responders from across the region received Ambulance Victoria service medals for milestones of 10 to 40 years of service.

Medal recipients included Mansfield Paramedic Daryl Glover who was recognised for 40 years of service, with some of his career highlights being working alongside Hume’s ACOs and responding to challenging wilderness cases.

Tallangatta ACO husband and wife duo Vicki and David Cottee were celebrated for 20 years of service – two decades including significant operational responses and community impact.

More than 700 staff and volunteers work in Ambulance Victoria’s Hume region, with careers spanning from 50 years to graduate paramedics and new first responders.

Narelle said she is proud of Ambulance Victoria’s paramedic and first responder crews in the region.

“Our people across the Hume region continue to amaze me with their dedication and professionalism. Every shift, they combine expert clinical care with calm decision-making, compassion and teamwork, often in the toughest of circumstances,” she said.