Volunteer Profile – Richard Colson

What does Palliative Care mean to you?

Palliative care means, to me, the provision of end-of-life care to a terminally ill person with a focus on patient-centred care and providing care in line with the individual’s needs and preferences.

Why did you choose to volunteer with AWQ?

I chose to volunteer with AWQ because I have played a role in the clinical aspect of end-of-life care as a Registered Nurse however I wanted to volunteer with an organisation who provides a unique and invaluable service to those well enough to have a last wish granted. This may be the last time that this person may leave the hospital or confines of their own house and it is a special gift to make these wishes come true.

How do you see Ambulance Wish Queensland in the community?

I see AWQ in the community as a valuable service that works within Palliative Care Queensland to provide a unique but powerful service that would otherwise be unachievable.

How do you see AWQ impacting Wish Recipient’s and their friends and family?

I see that the AWQ service gives the recipient and their families the ability to celebrate their lives in a unique and personal way. The wishes are not normally elaborate but rather focus on the recipient’s personal values and who they would like to spend their wish with. I think it assists in the grieving process that occurs even prior to the death of the recipient and allows closure for all involved.

Do you have any key memories of a Wish you have been on?

I was honoured to be a part of Daniel’s wish a few months ago. It stuck with me when he started to cry when we moved him outside to the ambulance. He told us that he had not been out of his house for over a month and he loved the feeling of the sunshine on his face.