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.
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 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’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