Warwick Queensland Ambulance Service paramedic Wayne Kirk awarded Ambulance Service Medal in 2025 King’s Birthday Honours List

Warwick paramedic Wayne Kirk was one of four officer to receive the highest national paramedic award in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours List.

A Warwick paramedic with almost three decades of experience is one is one of four Queensland Ambulance Service officers to be awarded an Ambulance Service Medal in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours List.

The medals recognise a distinguished service person and are the highest national professional honour a paramedic can be awarded.

Warwick Ambulance Station’s Officer In Charge and critical care paramedic Wayne Kirk said he was initially drawn to paramedics because of his interest in the human body but said what he loved most about his job was being able to serve his community.

Critical Care Paramedic Wayne Kirk nominated for King’s Birthday Honours List

QAS Commissioner Craig Emery ASM said Mr Kirk was being recognised for his outstanding patient care as well as his strong ties to the community.

“Officer Kirk has a rich background in frontline mentoring and coaching for all staff and advocates for the teams he leads, the community he provides services for, and continuous improvement to ensure excellence in ambulance services,” Mr Emery said in a press release.

“Officer Kirk currently leads not only our paid workforce but our volunteer First Responders, building their capability and involvement to ensure they can provide their community with additional frontline support.

“In 2021, during the Inglewood flood emergency, Officer Kirk took on the role of Forward Commander, providing exceptional leadership advice and guidance, liaising with other emergency service teams and local disaster management officials.

“Officer Kirk embodies the characteristics of an outstanding frontline leader, who leads with integrity through his actions, consistently providing unwavering safe, supportive, and encouraging workplace that emulates courage, selflessness, and teamwork.

“I’d like to thank him for his service to his community and the QAS and we’re immensely proud of his achievements.”

Officer Kirk said he couldn't believe it when he learnt he’d been nominated for an ASM.

“I’ve never really been nominated for too many things, but I must admit, when I realised it was true, I was overwhelmed because I’m just a normal sort of person who diesels along and does their job,” Mr Kirk said in a press release.

“When I realised what this was, I was very overwhelmed and thought, far-out, what a big privilege this is.”

Originally published as Warwick Queensland Ambulance Service paramedic Wayne Kirk awarded Ambulance Service Medal in 2025 King’s Birthday Honours List