Volunteer Profile – David Long

Tell us about yourself

I’ve been a career paramedic working interstate for about 18 years. I moved up to Brisbane five years ago but still wanted to make a contribution to paramedicine. So in 2017, I completed a doctorate that looked at specialist paramedic roles. I’m currently working as an academic at Queensland University of Technology and have a continuing research interest in the delivery of palliative care services by paramedics in the community. I have three boys and a dog – so make that four kids – and enjoy living in Queensland more than anywhere else!

Why did you choose to volunteer with AWQld?

I chose to volunteer with AWQld because I have held a long-term belief that people should be given an opportunity at the end of their lives to experience the things that made life worth living. Also, many people have spent their lives caring for others and it seems only right that we can give back to those people in a small way.

What keeps you motivated to volunteer?

I had always felt that the needs of palliative patients goes beyond that of clinical care. The idea behind AWQld reflects an understanding that we are complex beings requiring more than just clinical care. I’m proud to support an initiative that recognises that we are all different with different needs and will hopefully bring some joy in a person’s final days.