Tasmanian paramedic Mike Fawcett helping to save lives overseas

TASMANIAN paramedic Mike Fawcett is going a long way to help some of his counterparts in other countries.

Heroes need Heroes, founder Michael Fawcett, is distributing recommissioned ambulance gear and training volunteers in south-east Asia

TASMANIAN paramedic Mike Fawcett knows the stresses involved in a career as an emergency worker and is going a long way to help some of his counterparts in other countries.

Mr Fawcett established Heroes Need Heroes two years ago in a bid to support fellow emergency personnel around Asia and Oceania through training and countless amounts of donated medical gear. So far HNH has helped crews in Thailand, Vanuatu, Fiji, and, this month, Papua New Guinea.

He set up the charity after attending a traffic accident while holidaying in Thailand where he saw local emergency workers using outdated equipment. The paramedic of 10 years said the aim of HNH was to redistribute decommissioned ambulance and rescue gear. The charity has undertaken projects in Thailand and Fiji and in the past 18 months has donated $100,000 worth of equipment between the two countries.

Mr Fawcett has been nominated for a Pride of Australia Medal in the Care and Compassion category.

“This is not the reason we started HNH but I accept the nomination on behalf of the many heroes behind HNH around each state in Australia,” he said.

To nominate a community hero, go to www.themercury
.com.au/prideofaustralia