AMA 15th National Conference 2003 AMA recognises paramedic's work with best Individual Contribution to Health Care Award
The AMA tonight bestowed one of its highest awards on someone who is not a doctor.
AMA President, Dr Kerryn Phelps, presented the AMA's Best Individual Contribution to Health Care in Australia award to Brad Murphy, a 38-year-old intensive-care paramedic from Queensland.
Born in Manilla, NSW, Brad has spent 23 years working for various ambulance services from central Sydney to central Australia, including a stint with the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Brad was destined to work in a medical-related area. By the time he was ten, he had already helped deliver a baby and had performed CPR - all in the beer garden of his family's pub in Manilla.
This early experience started Brad off on a career that is based on a commitment to improve first aid and health services for people in remote areas of Australia.
This commitment has peaked recently with his project - Australian Rural and Remote Emergency Skills and Online Resource (ARRESTOR), an online first aid resource and learning program.
ARRESTOR makes first aid knowledge accessible to people in remote areas for the first time.
On a professional note, Brad has decided to take the next step in his own medical education. He is now a fourth-year medical student at James Cook University.
It won't be long before some lucky Australian community will have the services of Dr Brad Murphy - a man of many skills.
CONTACT: Brad Murphy (0412) 461 146
John Flannery (0419) 494 761
Judith Tokley (0408) 824 306