Paramedics and firefighters are Australia’s most trusted professionals
Paramedics and firefighters are Australia’s most trusted professionals
09 July 2010
published by www.mysunshinecoast.com.au
Australia — Paramedics and firefighters can hold their heads high after taking the top two places in the list of Australia’s most trusted professionals – for the sixth year running.
The annual poll, commissioned by Reader’s Digest, asked a sample of Australians to rate how much they trusted a range of professions.
Paramedics topped the list, with firefighters second, followed by nurses, pilots and doctors.
Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts said the results once again highlighted the important roles played by ambulance and fire personnel in the community.
“These results are not surprising, but they are very pleasing. This once again shows just how critical our emergency services workers are to keeping our community safe,” Mr Roberts said.
“While we all hope we never need to call an ambulance or the fire service, it is reassuring to know that our ambos and firies are highly trained, committed and ready to help us during times of need.
“I would like to congratulate all of Queensland’s paramedics and firefighters on this latest achievement and I encourage Queenslanders to continue supporting these dedicated men and women as they serve the community.”
Queensland Ambulance Service Commissioner David Melville said the result was well deserved.
“Queensland paramedics are on hand day after day, often during people’s darkest hours,” Commissioner Melville said.
“Paramedics are the people by your side as you are cut from a car wreck and they are the ones delivering babies on the sides of roads or resuscitating you after a near drowning.
“By their very nature paramedics are compassionate, professional and highly skilled people who have dedicated their working life to making the community a safer and healthier place.”
Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) Commissioner Lee Johnson said the service was made up of full-time, auxiliary and volunteer firefighters, all of whom ha d been responsible for saving countless lives and millions of dollars worth of property across the State.
“A great example of this commitment was seen last bushfire season, when there were more than 25,000 firefighter activations in a 36-day period,” Commissioner Johnson said.
“Many of these people were out on the fire ground day after day working in arduous conditions to protect lives and property and their place in this poll is definitely warranted.
“Our firefighters are called upon to display courage and the utmost professionalism in carrying out their duties. Their role is versatile – from saving people from fires, car wrecks, swift water or confined spaces to educating the community about calling Triple Zero, bushfire safety and smoke alarms.
“We are very proud of the work Queensland firefighters undertake and it is pleasing to see this sentiment is shared within the Australian community.”
