Zak Tilbury, a highly skilled healthcare professional from Chermside, has been named a finalist in the prestigious 2024 QBANK Everyday Heroes Awards.
Mr Tilbury’s dedication to patient care and diverse expertise across multiple roles have earned him recognition in the “ownership” category. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the awards, which acknowledge the outstanding contributions of Queenslanders working in essential services such as police, fire, health, ambulance, corrections, public service, education, and volunteer organisations.
A Triple Threat in Healthcare
His impressive career trajectory shows Mr Tilbury’s commitment to serving the community. He is a qualified Advanced Care Paramedic with the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS), a registered Nurse at The Prince Charles Hospital, and a Midwife with the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS).
He explained that his motivation stems from a desire to ensure patient safety and make their experience with the healthcare system as smooth as possible, acknowledging that it can be stressful for many.
Going Above and Beyond
In his various roles, Mr Tilbury takes on a range of responsibilities. As an Advanced Care Paramedic, he works in the Clinical Hub, assessing patients and determining the best healthcare pathway for them. He also acts as an Operations Supervisor, focusing on the well-being of ambulance crews and ensuring ambulances are efficiently dispatched back into the community.
At The Prince Charles Hospital, he serves as a Clinical Nurse Consultant, supporting staff, advocating for patient safety, and managing patients experiencing health deterioration. Furthermore, he contributes to the RFDS as a Flight Nurse and Midwife on their Network Support Team.
Reaching Remote Communities
While on secondment in North West Queensland with the RFDS in late 2023, Mr Tilbury participated in several critical rescues. One notable instance involved an inter-agency retrieval of a patient injured in a motorcycle accident in a remote area three hours North West of Mount Isa.
He worked alongside a LifeFlight helicopter crew, a local paramedic ground crew, and an RFDS doctor to stabilise the patients and transport them to a hospital equipped to handle their injuries. Mr Tilbury highlighted the crucial role of the RFDS in delivering intensive care level healthcare to isolated communities with limited resources.
Honoured to be Recognised
Mr Tilbury expressed his surprise and gratitude at being nominated for a QBANK Everyday Heroes Award. He stated that he enjoys his work and is driven by a desire to positively impact people’s lives.
On 11 October, a ceremony at the W Hotel Brisbane will announce the QBANK Everyday Heroes Awards winners. Each winner will receive $2,000 deposited into a QBANK account and $2,000 donated to their chosen charity.
Published 1-Oct-2024