Kenmore Paramedic Wins Award for Life-Saving Children’s Book

A critical care paramedic from Kenmore has been recognised as an Achievement Finalist by the QBANK Everyday Heroes Awards for her work writing a children’s book aimed at easing kids’ anxiety around medical emergencies and raising funds for important causes.



Critical Care Paramedic Amy Gomes received the Achievement Award at the QBANK Everyday Heroes Awards, held on 11 October 2024. The awards celebrate exceptional contributions from Queensland’s frontline workers and volunteers.

Amy, a Kenmore resident, wrote and self-published the book “What Paramedics Do” in late 2023 after noticing how often young children were scared during medical emergencies. The book educates children on the role of paramedics and has been used to reduce medical anxiety by making the unfamiliar more approachable for kids.

Amy Gomes QBank Everyday Heroes
Photo Credit: Amy Gomes/Instagram

Recognition at the QBANK Awards

Amy was one of 23 finalists recognised at the QBANK Everyday Heroes Awards, an event celebrating Queensland’s frontline workers from fields such as police, fire, health, and education. These awards, now in their 10th year, honour individuals who go above and beyond to serve and protect their communities.

While Amy took home the award for Achievement, other winners included a far north Queensland ambulance officer who used cultural knowledge to help evacuate a town during a cyclone, and a volunteer firefighter from Coomera who has dedicated eight years to protecting his community. All the winners received $2,000, plus an additional $2,000 to donate to a charity of their choice.

“What an absolute honour. I have been advised that two wonderful humans took the time to nominate me for a @qbank_au everyday hero award and I have been absolutely so fortunate to now be named a finalist,” Amy said. “While they wouldn’t tell me who, I hope you know you made me feel very much appreciated 🥺 Thank you for taking the time to acknowledge someone else. It really is a truly special thing to make someone else feel valued – thank you, unknown, beautiful souls”

Amy Gomes QBank Everyday Heroes
Photo Credit: Amy Gomes/Instagram

Amy said she was honoured to be recognised alongside so many other dedicated Queenslanders. She plans to donate her prize money to Heart of the Nation, a charity focused on improving access to AEDs, furthering her commitment to community health and safety.

Community Impact

Amy has been a paramedic for 15 years, working across Queensland and around the world. Her experiences, particularly in rural and remote areas, inspired her to write the book, which has now been adapted for international audiences. Through her small business, One Little Heart, Amy donates part of the proceeds from the book to charity, raising tens of thousands of dollars for over 25 organisations.

Amy Gomes QBank Everyday Heroes
Photo Credit: QBank Everyday Heroes

Amy’s work doesn’t stop at writing. She has been instrumental in facilitating the donation of four public-access Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in Queensland communities, with two more ready for installation. She is also advocating for a public-access AED Bill through the state government, hoping to improve Queenslanders’ access to these life-saving devices and embed AED education in schools.



Looking ahead, Amy is already working on her next children’s book, “What Police Do,” which aims to provide similar education and anxiety-reducing benefits for kids when interacting with law enforcement officers. She hopes to continue expanding her series and bringing awareness to the important roles of frontline workers.

Published 11-Oct-2024

The Heartfelt Tale of Amy Gomes: Kenmore Author with a Lifesaving Pen

Amy Gomes isn’t your typical children’s book author. This Kenmore local is a critical care paramedic whose mission to publish a book about her work matches the size of her heart.



The idea for her book arose from a simple yet profound realisation that there were no children’s books explaining her profession in a way that young minds could understand.

In “What Paramedics Do,” Ms. Gomes aimed to change that. With her paramedic background, she was uniquely qualified to tell the story of these everyday heroes. But she didn’t stop there as she chose to infuse her book with a social conscience.

A Book with a Mission

“What Paramedics Do” is not merely a children’s book; it also seeks to educate and offer hope. Its purpose is to teach children about the emergency number 000 and, more importantly, raise funds for a noble cause—the Heart of the Nation. This charity’s mission is to provide more communities with access to Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), devices that could potentially save lives.

Ms. Gomes’ work isn’t fiction; it’s a tool to impart knowledge and empower children with crucial information that might one day make a difference in an emergency. Her dedication to her craft is inspiring, and she understands the importance of rapid response and early defibrillation in cardiac emergencies.

“What Paramedics Do” is suitable for children aged 2 to 6, thoughtfully crafted with age-appropriate yet realistic illustrations. The aim is to reduce medical anxiety in children by making them familiar with the world of paramedics. It features special components with a Greg Page, the CEO of Heart of the Nation, and a cardiac arrest survivor. The book’s message ensures that health and emergency response reaches even more hearts.

Giving Back to the Community

Ms. Gomes’ desire to help others has always driven her. From childhood fundraising efforts to founding One Little Heart in 2014, her commitment to philanthropy has been unwavering. One Little Box, her previous project, allowed people to purchase a box filled with thoughtful items, with the proceeds going to charity.

For this author, her book is more than just a project; it’s an opportunity to give back. Partnering with Greg Page’s charity, Heart of the Nation, means that £1 from every book sold supports a cause close to both their hearts. Additionally, for every 1,000 books sold, a portion of the profits will be donated—a tangible impact on her community.



The journey of Amy Gomes from childhood fundraising to becoming a critical care paramedic and author is a testament to her unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. With “What Paramedics Do,” she has found a way to combine her passions, ensuring that every book sold contributes to the greater good. It’s a labour of love that brings joy to her heart, a respite from the challenging workdays that define her profession.

Published 25-Sept-2023