An Elvis impersonator has sung his thanks to Ambulance Victoria (AV) paramedics and a Triple Zero (000) call taker, after they saved the life of his friend earlier this year.
Mark Brown donned his Elvis jumpsuit to perform a song he co-wrote with his friend of 50 years, Colin Dunn, who was saved by emergency services when he suffered a hypo in May.
Mark was visiting Colin at his home in south east Melbourne when Colin, a diabetic, began feeling unwell so went to have a lie down.
Soon after, he collapsed.
“I heard a loud thump, and I rushed in to find Colin unconscious on the floor,” Mark said.
“I rang Triple Zero (000) and the call taker guided me through a few breathing checks before paramedics arrived.
“I was yelling at Colin, ‘don’t you give in’, and then I heard the ambulance outside.”
Triple Zero Victoria call taker Diana Ng Tabaquero said Mark acted quickly to call for help for his friend.
“Mark showed great care for Colin in calling Triple Zero (000) when he became unconscious, and despite his concern for his friend he remained calm, followed my instructions, and did everything that was asked,” she said.
Mark performing The Paramedic Song.
Graduate Ambulance Paramedic (GAP) Leeza Parthenios and Advanced Life Support (ALS) paramedic James Graham arrived at the scene and found Colin in an altered conscious state with dangerously low blood sugar.
Leeza said Mark was a huge help at the scene.
“Mark was super helpful with information about Colin which made a big difference because Colin wasn’t in a state where he could give us any information himself,” she said.
“Mark told us Colin was a diabetic and it turned out that was the issue.
“I was very impressed by him.”
Colin was transported to Dandenong Hospital where he was able to be discharged later that night.
Mark said he was incredibly thankful to the call taker and paramedics for their care and was inspired to put his appreciation into song.
“After the phenomenal treatment and support Colin received from Leeza and James, and that I received from the call taker, we decided to design a song to bring to everyone’s attention how special they are,” he said.
“Our overall message to anyone in the care industry at any level is that you guys are the very best expression of true excellence.
“Our world will always be a better place when everyone decides to care for each other.”
(L-R): Colin, Leeza, Mark, Diana and James
The song is based on Elvis classic The Girl of My Best Friend and Diana said her whole family was excited about the unique tribute.
“My dad is an Elvis fan so my family will be thrilled to hear the song!” she said.
“It’s a lovely way to say thanks for the role that we play in an emergency.”
Leeza said it was very special to have a thank you song written.
“Mark and Colin were both so thankful at the hospital but to have them write a song about us and about paramedics and Triple Zero call takers in general, it is so heartwarming and super special,” she said.
“I don’t think it’s something that everyone can say they’ve had done for them!”
Leeza is currently completing AV’s GAP program, which is a structured, on-road supervision and learning program to help graduates transition from the classroom to the ‘real world’, integrating into day-to-day team responsibilities and activities.
“To be thanked in this way during my first year of working as a paramedic makes it even more special,” Leeza said.
“It’s so nice for Mark and Colin to have put that much faith in us and to be so grateful afterwards.”
