Dedication to serving community earns paramedic student SES award
From the rural New South Wales town of Armidale to the regional hub of Rockhampton in Central Queensland, CQUniversity student Mia Bradshaw has crossed state borders to chase her dream of becoming a paramedic, and her community service efforts are receiving accolades.
Recently named Regional Young Member of the Year for her service in the Queensland State Emergency Service (SES), Mia was awarded for her dedication to training, engagement with the community, and response and professionalism during emergency activations.
In the second year of her Bachelor of Paramedic Science, Mia is also a leader in CQUniversity’s wellbeing program Mindwaves, a Student Ambassador, and an assistant for campus life events – all while balancing her studies, attending placement and volunteering with the SES.
With Mia’s heart for giving back also being recognised as a recipient of a CQUniCares Adam Scott Foundation Queensland Scholarship, she said it is through her love of helping people that spurs her on.
“I always knew I wanted to have a career in health that’s hands-on and also gave me variety,” Mia said.
“I love being able to help people and provide that emergency assistance straight away.”
Having been involved with the SES for the past two and a half years in Queensland, and previously also serving in New South Wales, Mia has been able to supplement her classroom learning and placement experience with the community activations she has been involved in.
“Placement and SES activations are very different experiences compared to our classroom learning, as we’re in a controlled environment in class and we’re able to ask pre-emptive questions; but when we’re on the job it’s all happening right in front of you, and you have to react in the moment – there are no do-overs,” Mia said.
“In addition to my studies, with SES I’ve also been able to learn skills that will directly relate to my career as a paramedic such as manual handling, radio communications and assisting in natural disaster occurrences such as flood events.
“I feel very grateful to have been named the SES Regional Young Member of the Year – it’s quite amazing to be recognised for what I’ve been doing so far.”
SES Capricornia Area Controller Cheryl Baartz said: "Mia is very much a valued member of the State Emergency Service, and she exemplifies leadership qualities and professionalism at the highest level and at all times.
"Rockhampton SES and Central Region could not be prouder of Mia’s achievements and Mia is a role model amongst her peers."
To learn more about the Bachelor of Paramedic Science with CQUniversity, visit the course page.
