Community & Business
21 May, 2026
Send off for Ambo Richard
After 27 years responding to medical emergencies in the district, Advanced Care Paramedic 2 Richard Taylor was farewelled at the Oakey Ambulance Station on Thursday, May 14 as he heads into pre-retirement leave.
A barbecue breakfast with the whole team at the Oakey ambulance station had been planned, but as often happens in the lives of paramedics, call outs took priority.
Having served as an ambulance officer in Oakey since 1999, ACP2 Taylor’s face has become a recognisable one around town.
“I often joke I moved to Oakey on a 3-5 year plan 27 years ago,” ACP2 Taylor said.
ACP2 Taylor started his career as a pharmaceutical officer, also working as a nurse.
He then shifted gears into a role as a security guard in Townsville, where he studied to become a paramedic.
A move to Oakey in August 1999 ended up lasting a lot longer than he thought.
“I became ensconced within the community,” ACP2 Taylor explained.
“People have made me feel incredibly welcome from the moment I got here.”
ACP2 Taylor has seen many changes over the years including an upgraded Ambulance Station. Medical science has also gone ahead in leaps and bounds.
“We can now treat a heart attack as it’s happening,” ACP2 Taylor said.
“From the defibrillator, to giving medications that clear the heart blockage, to really high quality airway management when our patients are unconscious.”
ACP2 Taylor paid tribute to his original OIC and mentor at Oakey, the late Ross ‘Jumbo’ Chalmers.
In his retirement, ACP2 Taylor plans to stay in Oakey and is looking forward to singing more with the High Altitude Harmony choir.
“We are constantly looking for numbers,” he said.
“If you’d like to sing, just give me a call!”
Acting OIC at Oakey Ambulance Station Jol Clark thanked ACP2 Taylor for his many years of hard work.
“Richard’s got a heart of gold,” he said.
Acting OIC Clark presented ACP2 Taylor with a wooden plaque with an engraved poem inscription carved by his fellow paramedic Glen Preston.
