Tasmania’s paramedics and rescue crews have been recognised on the national stage for their extraordinary bravery and skill in two high-profile missions that tested human limits. Ambulance Tasmania, alongside fellow agencies, received the prestigious Professional Award at the Australian Search and Rescue Awards in Brisbane for the daring 2024 Franklin River rescue of Lithuanian kayaker Valdas Bieliauskas. The award acknowledges an operation so complex and high risk that it left a lasting impression across Australia and the world.
The rescue of Mr Bieliauskas, who was trapped underwater for 24 hours before being freed through an emergency leg amputation, pushed Ambulance Tasmania’s teams to their very edge. The mission combined clinical expertise, resilience, and improvisation under extreme pressure. Their ability to adapt in life-threatening circumstances has now been formally recognised at the highest level. Ambulance Tasmania was also commended for another mission, the 2024 rescue of a stranded family at the Walls of Jerusalem, carried out in brutal winter conditions that required sustained care and endurance from crews on scene.
National Recognition for Courage and Skill
The Australian Search and Rescue Awards, organised by the National Search and Rescue Council (NATSAR), represent one of the most respected acknowledgements of professional bravery in the country. This year’s ceremony was hosted by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) and the Queensland Police Service. Ambulance Tasmania paramedics Chris Monaghan, Edith Wirsu, Mitchell Parkinson, and Adam Marmion were among those who accepted the award on behalf of their colleagues.
The Franklin River mission required not just rapid medical decisions but also an extraordinary capacity to maintain composure while working in freezing water and treacherous river conditions. Mr Bieliauskas’ entrapment demanded procedures rarely performed in the field, making the operation both dangerous and historically significant. It demonstrated the capabilities of Tasmanian paramedics and set a benchmark for emergency responses worldwide.
The Walls of Jerusalem operation was equally demanding, as a young family and their child endured 36 hours of exposure before crews reached them. The conditions involved snow, sub-zero temperatures, and rapidly deteriorating weather. Ambulance Tasmania staff provided warmth, hydration, and medical care until safe retrieval was possible.
Key Highlights of the Recognition
- Franklin River Rescue (Nov 2024):
- Involved amputation under extreme conditions to free trapped kayaker
- Required over 24 hours of coordinated effort
- Lauded as one of the most complex rescues in Tasmanian history
- Walls of Jerusalem Mission (July 2024):
- Family stranded for 36 hours in freezing conditions
- Paramedics provided continuous care in snowstorms
- Commendation received for endurance and professionalism
Both rescues highlight not only the courage of paramedics but also the interagency collaboration that made survival possible.
Broader Impact of Search and Rescue Operations
Such recognition extends beyond awards. It builds public confidence in emergency systems and highlights the risks paramedics and rescue teams accept daily. Search and rescue operations in Tasmania have always faced added challenges due to the island’s rugged wilderness, unpredictable rivers, and harsh alpine weather.
For health professionals, these awards reinforce the value of continuous training and resilience-building. For communities, they remind us that behind every successful mission are crews who put themselves in harm’s way to save others. For governments and policy leaders, the recognition underscores the need for sustained investment in emergency services, equipment, and cross-agency training.
Tasmania has a long tradition of search and rescue excellence. The Franklin River and Walls of Jerusalem rescues now add two more chapters to a story of professional dedication that continues to inspire. By acknowledging these missions nationally, the NATSAR Council signals their importance not only to Tasmanians but also to Australia’s broader emergency response framework.
Award Recipients and Their Roles
| Name | Role | Contribution to Missions |
|---|---|---|
| Chris Monaghan | Paramedic | Provided frontline trauma care during Franklin River rescue |
| Edith Wirsu | Paramedic | Assisted with high-pressure interventions in river conditions |
| Mitchell Parkinson | Intensive Care Flight Paramedic | Delivered advanced critical care and air retrieval support |
| Adam Marmion | Intensive Care Flight Paramedic | Coordinated aerial logistics and clinical interventions |
This table reflects only a fraction of the team effort. Multiple agencies and dozens of unnamed contributors played vital roles in ensuring survival against extreme odds.
Looking Ahead: Lessons and Legacy
The recognition of Ambulance Tasmania brings to light essential lessons for future emergency preparedness. First, it demonstrates the necessity of flexible medical protocols in the field. Second, it highlights the psychological resilience required by paramedics, who must balance clinical detachment with human compassion under duress. Finally, it emphasises the importance of interagency cooperation, which enabled rapid deployment of resources across river, mountain, and air environments.
Tasmania’s geography will always pose challenges for rescue teams. Rivers flood, mountain weather changes rapidly, and remote locations are difficult to reach. But the capacity of Tasmanian paramedics to adapt and respond has now been validated at a national level. The awards serve as a call for sustained support, ensuring that future crews have the resources, technology, and training they need to continue saving lives under extraordinary conditions.
As Tasmania reflects on this achievement, communities are reminded that behind every dramatic rescue headline lies preparation, teamwork, and the quiet heroism of emergency responders. The stories of Franklin River and the Walls of Jerusalem will remain markers of resilience for years to come.
Trending FAQ
Q1: What is the Australian Search and Rescue Awards?
The Australian Search and Rescue Awards are annual honours presented by the National Search and Rescue Council (NATSAR). They recognise outstanding contributions to search and rescue efforts by professionals and volunteers across Australia.
Q2: Why was Ambulance Tasmania recognised?
They received the Professional Award for their critical role in two major rescues: freeing a trapped kayaker from the Franklin River in 2024 and supporting a stranded family in the Walls of Jerusalem during winter.
Q3: Who organises the awards?
The awards are hosted by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) and supported by partner organisations, including state police and emergency services.
Q4: How do these rescues impact future emergency training?
They provide case studies for advanced medical procedures in extreme conditions, strengthen interagency cooperation frameworks, and highlight the importance of resilience training for paramedics.
Q5: What message does this recognition send to the public?
It reassures the community of the dedication and capability of Tasmanian emergency services and underscores the sacrifices made by crews to ensure public safety.
