Eudlo posts a victory

IF there’s an accident in Eudlo, the best man for the job is right there on the spot.

Eudlo Post Master John Jacobson, who supervised the rescue operation at the Grafton and Kempsey bus crashes, has been awarded an Australia Day Achievement Medallion in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Ambulance Services.

He took up duties at the Eudlo Post Office late last year after 28 years with the Ambulance Service.

"I had no idea I would get an award," he said. "I was absolutely delighted to receive it and it is a very nice thank you for a lot of years spent in emergency services."

John received his award from Noosa Shire Mayor Mayor Bob Abbott on Australia Day.

He joined the Ambulance in 1968 and said he had seen a lot of changes in emergency services since then.

"Over time you would see people move from basic first aid officers to highly skilled Ambulance officers and paramedics," he said. "When I joined, all you needed was a first aid course. The Ambulance is now producing well trained and highly skilled officers."

John spent six years as Assistant Commissioner for the Ambulance Service in the North Coast region covering the Sunshine Coast, Wide Bay, South Burnett, and Caboolture regions.

Before moving to Queensland, John spent 22 years as Superintendent of Operations serving the North Coast New South Wales region and was also On-Site Commander at both the Grafton and Kempsey bus accidents.

It was one of the biggest challenges of his career, dealing with accidents in which 55 people died and 35 were critically injured in horror roadside conditions.

The Australia Day award caps off a prestigious career for John who has also received the "Serving Brother of St John" and "Officer Brother of St John" awarded by the Queen.