IGGULDENS

professionalism of the QAS inspired those around him. He passed away in November 1998.

The recipient of the Michael Dillon Award consistently displays these attributes.

Faulks, along with a Cairns ambulance officer, received the award in 2022 for outstanding determination, dedication and commitment to the service's professionalism.

The award has been running since the early 2000s. Faulks, the longestserving paramedic in Innisfail, is one of only two in the FNQ southern sector to receive this award.

"I feel extremely humbled and proud to be recognised as I knew Mick Dillon personally, and there is no better commendation than an award voted on by one's peers/management."

QAS Assistant Commissioner Far Northern Region Rita Kelly presented Faulks with the award at the QAS Award presentation during Ambulance Week in Cairns.

Faulks, born in Duchess, Queensland and lived in Innisfail for 42 years, has been in the QAS for 28 years.

Whilst employed for ten years at the meatworks as the Workplace Health and Safety Officer, Faulks completed a First Aid course. They're one of the paramedics who encouraged him to become an Honorary volunteer, and Faulks completed 3,000 hours in five years.

In 1991, Faulks became a full-time student and completed a three-year TAFE Associate Diploma of Paramedic Science.

After spending five years as a volunteer, he has worked full-time for QAS for 24 years.

Having completed Year 10, his biggest challenge was getting into the QAS, but evidence of prior learning as a butcher and assistance of mentors Richard Oliveri (practical) and Neville Temple (assignments).

The role involves ongoing mandatory training, online learning packages, faceto-face training twice a year, practical scenarios and in-class education.

For the past four years, QAS is now a registered organisation, meaning paramedics are professionally registered, must complete active learning commitments, and are accountable to the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

Paramedics can administer the lifesaving blood clot-dissolving drug to patients, canulate/administer IV drugs/ fluids to people with diabetes suffering seizures, and can pronounce a patient deceased.

Those wanting to join QAS must complete a three-year Bachelor of Paramedic Science.

Faulks previously received a National Service Medal for 25 years of Meritorious Service, 20 years Long Service Award and a Meritorious Award as a responder to the Ravenshoe Café blast.

"I find the role extremely rewarding, especially the ability to take patient's pain away and the camaraderie of fellow paramedics."

"You need to have patience, be an excellent listener, love your job, take pride in the service and be able to talk about traumatic events with colleagues."