Cooktown ambulance technician Dylan Harrigan has been named a finalist for an Everyday Heroes Award. Photo: Supplied.
Excellence, dedication and the trust of his people have put a Cooktown born-and-bred ambulance technician in the running for a QBANK Everyday Heroes Award.
Tirelessly uplifting his community and supporting fellow First Nations people, ambulance technician and paramedicine student Dylan Harrigan is one of 23 finalists selected from across the state for the 10th annual awards, which will take place in Brisbane on 11 October.
“I enjoy working in my hometown, helping my people and giving back to my community,” he said.
“It gives me a sense of satisfaction knowing my community, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous, feel they trust me to care and treat them, and know they are in safe hands.”
Mr Harrigan has been recognised in the Excellence category of the awards for delivering exceptional care to patients across his region, as well as his contribution to cultural leadership with the Queensland Ambulance Service for the past nine years.
“My cultural knowledge aids in providing support to Indigenous patients and their families, and creates culturally safe environments,” the finalist said.
“I also educate and guide my non-Indigenous colleagues, so they better understand the Indigenous culture, community, and people, and can develop their practice in caring and treating patients.”
This cultural knowledge was integral during the evacuation of Wujal Wujal in December following Tropical Cyclone Jasper – a time that was terrifying, confusing, and heartbreaking for residents as they watched the flood take their homes.
“I was fulfilling my role in providing cultural support to my people and community during the Wujal Wujal evacuation, ” Mr Harrigan said.
“My role consisted of providing frontline contact support and assistance to all community members impacted by the severe weather events.”
He said he was surprised but honoured to be named a finalist in the awards, which celebrate the exceptional achievements of people within emergency services, corrections, education, the public service and volunteers.
“It is a bit exciting – I do hope for more recognition for those who truly deserve it because of the hard work and dedication they put into serving our communities and helping people,” Mr Harrigan said.
