Paramedics are one of the vital groups of people in our community who, when that call comes in, do their utmost to be there for the community. 

Earlier this month, paramedics across NSW were recognised and thanked for their commitment to their role on the seventh annual ‘Thank a Paramedic Day’, however in Scone and the Upper Hunter we should thank our paramedics every day. 

Currently Scone’s NSW Ambulance station has four permanently stationed paramedics as well as a relief officer.

Two paramedics are present at the station at all times to provide the essential primary rescue service to residents within the local area. 

One of the paramedics locals need to thank is station officer Tim McEwen who has been a qualified paramedic for 14 years as of this week. 

In his previous career life Mr McEwen was a draftsman for 10 years in Newcastle before following his dream to become a paramedic. 

Mr McEwen said he had progressed as far as he could as a draftsman and being an ambulance officer was always something he had wanted to do. 

For the first 12 months he worked in patient transport before applying to become a paramedic through general entry.

After working in Condobolin for a short time, Mr McEwen transferred to Scone more than 10 years ago and he is still here. 

Despite facing the challenge of trauma and tragedy quite regularly, Mr McEwen said regardless of this, it is also an inherently rewarding role. 

“Most people are happy to see us when we turn up, and we may only see them for 10 minutes, half an hour or an hour, but we have a massive impact on their life.

“It’s the people and the knowledge that you can make a real difference in someone’s life that is so rewarding,” he said. 

Mr McEwen said he also enjoys the unpredictability of the job.

Although NSW Ambu-lance chief executive commissioner Ray Creen emphasises the opportunity for the community to show their appreciation by saying ‘Thank You’ to paramedics and all NSW Ambulance staff, Mr McEwen says they don’t join the job for the thanks. 

 “However, to have a day where we are thanked by the public is incredibly rewarding for us,” he said. 

NSW Ambulance employs more than 4000 people across the state and responds to more than 1,133,000 emergency and non-emergency calls each year, the equivalent of a call every 26 seconds. 

NSW Health Minister Jillian Skinner also commended paramedics by recognising the life changing and life saving work they carry out every day in what can be extraordinary circumstances.

Mrs Skinner launched a $5000 Minister’s Bursary for Excellence to honour the commitment, compassion and courage of paramedics right across the state.