Kudos paid for top care

THEODORE is known for its top medical staff and now they can tick another box for having the region's Paramedic of the Year.

Sela Tuavao has been living in town for three and a half years and was given the title this week.

"I was so surprised," Sela said.

"It is still so surreal."

The Theodore station officer-in-charge was named Regional Paramedic of the Year on Monday as part of the Queensland Ambulance Service Star Care Awards.

Sela said the prize came as a shock after Theodore had received station of the year the year before.

"It's so humbling and lovely to be recognised," she said.

"Theodore is a very tight knit community and very independent. Everyone looks out for each other and the emergency services work so harmoniously together."

Sela was full of praise for the community.

"I was only supposed to be in Theodore for six months but that turned into 12 months, then I stayed here and got married and then I applied for the officer-in-charge position," she said.

"I couldn't imagine being anywhere else. I've only been here about three and a half years and I feel like I have been here forever. Everyone has taken me on as their own."

Sela said she was originally studying business when she decided to change her course.

"At the end of the day it is job satisfaction, and to feel you have helped the community is great," she said.

"You get home some nights and you can think 'wow I made a difference in the world today'.

"I have always felt we have a fantastic medical team in Theodore and I constantly try to be the best paramedic for the town."

QAS area director for Port Curtis and Callide Warren Kellett said Sela was selected as Regional Paramedic of the Year from 76 stations in the region.

"This award recognises all the work that Sela does," he said.

"It recognises she goes above and beyond. Sela is very people focused and the community have embraced her."