Celebrating Paramedics, Mentors, Mates

Original article posted on St John AU This International Paramedics Day, 8 July 2025, St John NT is proudly recognising the incredible dedication of Paramedics across the Northern Territory, particularly those working in some of the country’s most remote and challenging environments.

From the streets of Alice Springs to the red dirt roads of the Barkly Region, Paramedics are a lifeline connecting communities with life-saving care.

Tony Wood, Area Manager of the Barkly Region, has been with St John NT since 2002, bringing over two decades of frontline Territory experience to the role.

Now approaching his one-year anniversary as Area Manager, Tony is leading the small but mighty team of eight Paramedics that deliver critical care across 320,000km². 

Having worked as a first responder in both Alice Springs and Darwin, Tony says the Barkly Region reflects the same strong sense of community connection that defines emergency care across the Territory.

“No two days are the same, and the people we help are often friends, neighbours, or someone you saw at the servo that morning.”

“People know you personally, which means the job carries even greater responsibility, but also great reward. The Barkly Region, like many Territory communities, has a strong sense of trust and connection,” Tony said. 

“Our team in Tennant Creek deals with everything from roadside traumas and remote community births to the innate healthcare challenges that come with the limited services available out of a small regional hospital.

To provide the best health outcomes for residents and travellers, Tony and the team work closely with allied health services, aeromedical retrieval, and remote clinics. This network of care keeps communities supported.

Tony’s role now combines frontline clinical response with mentoring the next generation of Territory Paramedics, with International Paramedics Day honouring the skill, dedication, and resilience of Paramedics worldwide. 

St John NT Ambulance Services Director, Andrew Thomas, said: “Whether responding independently or as part of a broader team, St John NT Paramedics are always backed by colleagues, partners, and a network of care that strengthens every response”.

“The work Paramedics do - often in difficult, remote, and emotionally charged situations - requires not only clinical skill, but also compassion, resilience and an unwavering sense of purpose.

“We’re incredibly proud of the professionalism and commitment our Paramedics show every single day, supported by our Patient Transport Officers and Communications staff. Their impact on Territory communities is immeasurable.”

St John NT CEO Andrew Tombs added: “Paramedics like Tony truly embody the spirit of service that keeps our communities safe and connected”.

“From Darwin to the desert and everywhere in between, we thank all Paramedics across the Territory and around the world for their compassion, courage and tireless commitment.”

“As we mark International Paramedics Day, St John NT celebrates not just the work our frontline heroes do, but the communities they help hold together.”

International Paramedics Day is an opportunity to recognise those who respond when we need them most, and to reflect on the shared commitment that connects teams, services, and communities across the Territory.