A dedicated paramedic from the Kedron Ambulance Station, Zak Tilbury, has been recognised as a finalist in the 2024 QBANK Everyday Heroes Awards for his exceptional work across multiple healthcare roles throughout Queensland.
Recognising Dedication Across Multiple Roles
A paramedic, nurse, and midwife, Zak is one of 23 finalists selected for the 2024 QBANK Everyday Heroes Awards. These awards celebrate the achievements of individuals serving the community in various public service roles, including healthcare.
Zak balances his time between his duties at the Kedron Ambulance Station with the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS), his role as a Clinical Nurse Consultant at The Prince Charles Hospital in Chermside, and his work with the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS).
Working in healthcare since 2015, Zak has become known for his commitment to providing high-quality care across urban and rural settings. “What I do is so varied, and I enjoy the different aspects of each role,” Zak said. “At the end of the day it’s all about patient safety and ensuring the journey through the healthcare system is as easy as it can be, because it’s a scary time for a lot of people.”
A Career Focused on Patient Care
At the Kedron Ambulance Station, Zak serves as an Advanced Care Paramedic, responding to emergency calls and taking on leadership roles within the service. He is currently acting in the QAS Clinical Hub, overseeing patient referrals through a secondary triage process to ensure they receive the appropriate care. He also works as an Operations Supervisor, coordinating ambulance crews to return to the road quickly and efficiently.
In his role at The Prince Charles Hospital in Chermside, Zak assists staff with both clinical and operational concerns, helping to manage deteriorating patients and advocating for patient safety. His work with the RFDS involves providing intensive care-level healthcare to patients in rural and remote areas, often flying them to hospitals with better resources and treatment options.
Honoured to Serve the Community
Despite juggling three professional roles and staying up to date with multiple qualifications, Zak remains humble about his recognition. “I don’t expect these kinds of things because it’s a job that I really enjoy doing. I just like what I do, and I am proud to serve the community,” Zak said.
Zak’s work has taken him across Queensland, including a notable rescue in North-West Queensland in 2023. In this rescue, he helped retrieve a motorbike accident victim in a remote area north of Mount Isa. Working with a LifeFlight Helicopter crew and a local paramedic team, Zak was instrumental in ensuring the patient received timely care and was transferred safely to a hospital.
Community Recognition
The QBANK Everyday Heroes Awards have been held annually since 2014. They recognise the outstanding contributions of those serving in Queensland’s public services, such as healthcare, police, and education. The awards include six categories, and winners will receive $2,000, with an additional $2,000 donated to a charity of their choice.
Zak has been nominated in the “Ownership” category. The winners will be announced at the QBANK Everyday Heroes Awards dinner on 11 October 2024 at the W Hotel in Brisbane.
For more information, visit the QBANK Everyday Heroes Awards website.
Published 4-Oct-2024