ACT Ambulance Service (ACTAS) Chief Officer Howard Wren will be retiring from his role after over 50 years in the ambulance and healthcare fields.

Throughout his career, Mr Wren’s impact on NSW and ACT healthcare has been significant, leaving a legacy for many years to come. Some of the key initiatives that Chief Officer Wren has been part of include:

• Guaranteeing a defibrillator is available in every frontline ambulance
• Ensuring effective pain relief is accessible to patients
• The education and training of many paramedics

After five decades in the industry, Mr Wren reflects on how far the role of paramedics has come and assures that the ACT is in safe hands.

“When I started my career as a paramedic in 1974, all that was required was to be over 18, have an unrestricted driver’s license and a few first aid certificates,” he said.

“Back then, never did I envision that the service would grow so much, with paramedics now being qualified health professionals.

“This is one of many changes I have witnessed across my five decades of service. Paramedics are now also more gender diverse than they have ever been and are equipped with life-saving tools that just weren’t available 50 years ago. I am proud to have been a part of each change no matter how big or small, helping improve healthcare, not just in the ACT, but across the nation.

“I’m retiring knowing the ACT community is in safe hands. ACTAS truly is one of the most forward-thinking and innovative ambulance services in the country, filled with exceptional people. It has been a privilege to have been a part of this organisation and to have served the Canberra community.

Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services, Dr Marisa Paterson, paid tribute to Mr Wren for his dedicated service to the Canberra community.

“Chief Officer Wren’s career progression is a remarkable representation of what it means to build from the ground up. His journey as a paramedic reflects an unwavering commitment to his peers and the community.

“The Canberra community is indebted to Chief Officer Wren in leading reform that has set our ambulance service up for years to come.”

Mr Wren’s last day in office will be Friday 28 February with ACTAS General Manager, Clinical Governance Unit, Patrick Meere, to be the interim ACTAS Chief Officer while a recruitment process is underway.