For many in the Queensland Ambulance Service, Wayne Sachs is a familiar name.
Whether it’s due to his extensive time within the service, being a helpful and reassuring face at the scene of an incident, or a nurturing and kind mentor for those learning the ropes.
But to Wayne Sachs it doesn’t feel like work.
“I feel very blessed to have been able to work in a profession that I really enjoy 99 per cent of the time,” Wayne said.
Wayne began his career over half a century ago, with the then Queensland Ambulance Transport Brigade (QATB) as an Honorary Ambulance Officer at just 18 years old. He also spent time in Cooroy and Childers before returning to his hometown of Gympie in 1995 in his current role as Officer in Charge (OIC).
His final move is the one Wayne describes as his career highlight.
“(It’s) where I started my ambulance career and also my hometown”, he said.
“The people of Gympie are just laid-back country people and I love that – and the location – the hills make it interesting.
“The staff at Gympie are just a wonderful bunch and I wouldn’t swap them for anything, a mix of experience, and some not-so-experienced.”
The local community is also very familiar with Wayne, having dedicated his life to volunteering within various roles, including Gympie’s Meals On Wheels and the Gympie and District Historical Society.
Wayne was also a founding member of the St John’s Ambulance Queensland’s Gympie Combined Division, has been the founding OIC and trainer for the Kilkivan and Imbil First Responders Teams, and has authored "Gympie Ambulance 1902-2002; The First Hundred Years".
Having witnessed decades of change and advancements within the service Wayne said the education of ambulance officers and the clinical interventions they can perform have definitely been the biggest improvements he has seen.
“It really was grab and run with some basic first aid when I first started and for a long time after that,” he said.
“There were literally no drugs except for Entonox, Trilene and oxygen.”
Wayne also recalls meeting with the then Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister in 2009 and this meeting became the catalyst for the Cooroy to Curra (Gympie) bypass.
“The only reason the Minister would see me was because I was an ambulance officer on the ground, and he valued the input from the people who were dealing with road traffic crashes on a frequent basis,” Wayne said.
“It showed the ambulance officer’s account was so very important and we were recognised for the work we do.”
QAS’s Sunshine Coast Assistant Commissioner Stephen Gough said he felt honoured to stand beside Wayne to present him his 50 Year Service Medal and praised him for his “outstanding” service.
“Congratulation Wayne on receiving your 50 Year Service Medal, simply outstanding for a remarkable person,” Mr Gough said.
“Service is not an occupation, service is a calling, a deep investment to others and the community and you represent the highest ideal of what service is – an essential contribution to society.
“Well done, my friend.”
But the final word goes to Wayne himself, with this advice for young frontline workers.
“Keep yourself fit, keep interested in what you do, and ask questions – always seek advice if you are unsure from a colleague or the Consult Line,” Wayne said.
“Look out for your colleagues and keep your sense of humour.”