Volunteer Profile – Vicky Burnett
Name: Vicky Burnett
Occupation: Lead Paramedic
What does Palliative Care mean to you?
Palliative care, to me, means providing compassionate support to individuals who are facing a life-limiting illness. I view it as a holistic approach that focuses on treating the whole person (including their physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing) and not just their symptoms. I believe palliative care should always prioritise each person’s unique needs, values, and goals so that the care provided can align with what matters most to them. Ultimately, to me, palliative care is about dignity, comfort, and making sure that individuals and their loved one feel supported, heard, and cared for during one of the most challenging times in their lives.
Why did you choose to volunteer with Ambulance Wish Queensland?
Like everyone else, I have had my own experience with grief, losing my mother to cancer when I was 19 years old. Due to this experience, I have always been passionate about palliative care and ensuring all individuals with a life limiting illness are able to receive compassionate care. I personally know how important it is to create special moments in someone’s end of life phase and volunteering with Ambulance Wish Queensland has allowed me to have a meaningful impact in this area.
How do you see Ambulance Wish Queensland in the community?
I believe that Ambulance Wish Queensland enriches the community. It sparks conversations about palliative care and the importance of honouring final wishes. It brings people together by uniting healthcare professionals, volunteers like myself, families, and supporters in making meaningful moments happen. It fosters a sense of collective responsibility in ensuring that no one faces their final days alone or without comfort. And finally, it reminds the whole community of the power of kindness and how small gestures can make a profound difference.
How do you see Ambulance Wish Queensland impacting Wish Recipient’s and their friends and family?
Ambulance Wish Queensland has a profound impact on Wish Recipient’s and their loved ones by creating meaningful and lasting memories. For the wish recipient, I know it can help them feel valued and heard and provides comfort, allowing them to experience a final wish that brings them joy. It can sometimes offer closure and allow a sense of peace.
For the friends and families, an Ambulance Wish allows them to have a positive final experience with their loved one. Instead of their final memories just being in the hospital or at home with medical struggles, it can become a lasting memory filled with love, joy and connection instead.
Do you have any key memories of a Wish you have been on?
Whilst I do not have a particular key memory, what has stood out for me the most on wishes is the simplicity of people’s requests. They have often been based around small, meaningful moments that bring people peace and happiness and have served as a reminder that at the end of life, it’s the simple things like love and connection that matter most. Witnessing these beautiful moments shared and seeing the joy and gratitude on the faces of wish recipients and their families, is always truly touching and I feel so incredibly lucky to be able to do my part in making it happen. . 🚑❤️🦋
