A paramedic with more than 30 years' experience has been appointed Commissioner of the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS).
Health and Ambulance Services Minister Yvette D'Ath today announced Craig Emery ASM as QAS Commissioner, following a five-month stint as Acting Commissioner.
Ms D'Ath said Mr Emery was selected after an exhaustive international recruitment process.
"Mr Emery has a long and notable career with QAS, since joining it in 1990 as a paramedic when it was known as the Queensland Transport Brigade," she said.
"Craig led QAS's planning, development and operational response to COVID-19 to ensure the agency was equipped to meet the challenges of the pandemic.
"He also oversaw QAS' response to the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, which included the deployment of almost 500 operational and support staff.
"I congratulate Craig on his appointment and look forward to working with him as QAS Commissioner."
Mr Emery has worked as a frontline paramedic, supervising communications centres, managing local, regional and statewide operations, and providing strategic leadership as an assistant and then deputy Commissioner.
Mr Emery said he was looking forward to building upon QAS' achievements and positioning the organisation to meet current and emerging challenges.
"QAS succeeds thanks to the skill and commitment of our frontline, corporate and support personnel, who go to work each day to make a difference," he said.
"The COVID-19 pandemic has only highlighted this, where our staff continue to go above and beyond to help those in need.
"I am committed to fostering this and engaging collaboratively with personnel and key stakeholders to ensure QAS is equipped to continue providing an excellent level of service."
