History
The Queensland Ambulance Service covers the most decentralised state in the country, from Brisbane's corridors to stations a thousand kilometres from the next hospital, and its Long Service Medal recognises the people who give that network their careers: uniformed paramedics and emergency medical dispatchers, awarded the medal at ten years of service with a clasp for each subsequent decade.
It anchors the QAS's own honours, which reach up through the Commissioner's Meritorious Service Award for commendable service in a designated role, to the Queensland Ambulance Service Distinguished Service Medal recognising conspicuous service and humane and brave acts. The long service medal is the one most Queensland ambulance racks are built around, usually beside the National Medal the same career earns at fifteen years.
Design & ribbon
The medal
The service does not publish a formal design description for the medal; the pattern supplied is the current issue, and the photographs above show its obverse and reverse.
The ribbon
The current Queensland Ambulance Service issue.
The ribbon follows the pattern of the current issue, shown above.
Clasps
Continued service is recognised by clasps at each further decade.
Clasp (each further 10 years)
A clasp is awarded for each subsequent period of ten years served beyond the qualifying decade, worn on the ribbon of the medal.
Eligibility
The medal recognises long service with the Queensland Ambulance Service.
- Uniformed paramedics and emergency medical dispatchers are eligible after ten years of service;
- A clasp is awarded for each subsequent period of ten years served;
- The medal sits outside the national honours system and carries no post-nominal.
Order of wear
Agency and state emergency service awards do not form part of the Australian honours system. They are worn separately from the national honours in accordance with the issuing agency's dress policy, and on civilian racks they are mounted as a distinct group apart from the official awards.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Queensland Ambulance Service Long Service Medal awarded for?
Ten years of service by uniformed paramedics and emergency medical dispatchers of the QAS, with a clasp for each subsequent decade.
Why are dispatchers included?
The QAS recognises its emergency medical dispatchers alongside its road crews: both give the service the same years, and the medal names both.
What sits above it in the QAS honours?
The Commissioner's Meritorious Service Award for commendable service in a designated role, and the Queensland Ambulance Service Distinguished Service Medal for conspicuous service and humane and brave acts.
Does ambulance service count toward national awards?
Yes. Fifteen years of eligible service can earn the National Medal within the Australian honours system.
How is it worn?
Separately from the national honours, in accordance with the service's dress policy, and as a distinct group on civilian racks.
Does it carry a post-nominal?
No.