Australia Day Awards

Superintendent Jeffrey Gilchrist - Intensive Care Paramedic
Jeffrey has provided over 35 years of dedication to the Ambulance Service. Jeffrey joined in June 1973 and was stationed at Lane Cove. He enhanced his clinical skills by qualifying as an Intensive Care Paramedic in 1976. As a Course One paramedic, Jeffrey was instrumental in setting up the Special Casualty Access Team (SCAT) and was responsibly for the planning of the Ambulance involvement and counter disaster at APEC. Jeffrey responded to Banda Ache as part of Australia’s first medical team in the aftermath of the Tsunami. He was also sent to Bali on the occasion of both bombings to repatriate the injured. Jeffrey was the innovator of a number of ambulance initiatives including the 4x4 rosters and motorcycle paramedics. In 2008, Jeffrey was promoted to the position of Assistant Divisional Manager, Sydney.

Superintendent Hendrik Kruit - Intensive Care Paramedic
Hendrik joined the Ambulance Service in March 1976 as a registered nurse. Over the years Hendrik has held many positions from Station Officer Randwick, Maroubra to District Officer in the South East Sydney. In recent years he was the Sector Manager, Western Sydney. In 2003, Hendrik was seconded to the position of Manager, Health Access Coordination Unit (HAC). Later to be permanently appointed to this position. He has also acted in the position of Manager, Sydney Operations Centre. In 2001, Hendrik undertook the position of Project Manager for the introduction of a Rapid Response program into the Sydney Division. In 2002, he initiated a pilot project of hospital liaison at Westmead in collaboration with the Western Sydney Area Health Service, this resulted in a special commendation for the project at the NSW Health Awards.

Station Manager Norman Spalding - Intensive Care Paramedic
Norman has provided over 32 years of dedicated and diligent duty to the Ambulance Service of NSW serving predominately in the Greater Sydney area. Norman has occupied several positions as Station Officer at Colyton and Castle Hill. He has been, and continues to be, active in projects that can and do improve Ambulance’s service delivery. Norman was asked by the General Manager, Operations in 2001 to prepare and deliver information on how to improve response times in a practical manner to ambulance officers within the Sydney metropolitan area which led to the establishment of the Rapid Responders Unit. Throughout his commendable career, Norman has contributed very significantly to achieving the vision and mission of Ambulance and he continues to display strength in knowledge and experience and in loyalty, fairness and integrity.

Superintendent Jennifer Van Cleef - Qualified Paramedic
Jennifer commenced her ambulance career in 1992 and was stationed at Lane Cove. Jennifer worked within the Sydney metropolitan area before transferring to the Sydney Operations Centre where she was promoted to Station Manager. In 1996, Jennifer was promoted to District Superintendent Sydney Operations Centre. However Jennifer’s talent in project work was recognised in 2004 when she was promoted to Superintendent. She was responsible for the project management of the development, implementation and ongoing management of the Patient Clinical Allocation Matrix 2004 – 2007 and Ambulance Status Board. The project represented a significant change to work practice that required extensive consultation, negotiation and co-ordination of a large, diverse group of stakeholders and resources.

Garry Vincent - Intensive Care Paramedic
Garry commenced his ambulance career in Canberra developing the clinical aspects of the Service including the introduction of the paramedic system. Garry was also instrumental in the development and ongoing support of the media and public relations unit. In 1993, Garry transferred to the Ambulance Service of NSW, being the first Intensive Care paramedic to have his qualifications recognised from outside of Ambulance. Garry has been seconded on numerous occasions to undertake research, planning and development of a number of critical clinical projects. He has completed hundreds of missions and over one thousands hours in the role of paramedic and helicopter air crewman. Garry has been appointed as senior lecturer with the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, specialising in educating doctors around Australia in pre-hospital care.

Superintendent Jeff Woods - Intensive Care Paramedic
Jeff’s 33 year career with Ambulance commenced with his appointment as an ambulance officer at Bomaderry in 1975. Jeff enhanced his clinical skills by qualifying as an Intensive Care Paramedic in 1980. In 1989, he joined the education staff at the Royal North Shore Hospital as an Intensive Care Paramedic instructor. In 1993, Jeff was promoted to the rank of Deputy Superintendent Sydney and in 2000 was promoted to Sector Manager, Wentworth, Western and South West Sydney. In 2003 he was appointed as State Rescue Manager and in 2005 was appointed the Acting Fleet Manager. Jeff has been actively involved in fulfilling the role of Commander and Supervisor of major incidents such as the City to Surf Fun Run, Sydney Mardi Gras, and Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. Of significance is Jeff’s proven knowledge of the Ambulance Service clinical policies, practices and protocols through his daily interventions as an Intensive Care Paramedic.