His efforts were recognised this week with the first certificate under the newly amalgamated Ambulance Victoria and the first to an interstate officer.

Vehicle design committee member and Victorian paramedic, Danny Lumby, personally congratulated Mr Bailey on Tuesday for his contribution to Ambulance Victoria.

Mr Lumby has been on the ambulance vehicle design committee since 1979 and has sought first-hand advice from the Leeton team and Mr Bailey in particular.

Mr Lumby said Mr Bailey has had a significant input into the construction and bettering of Victorian ambulances.

“Chris has played a pivotal role in designing the trucks,” he said.

“He has just been a wealth of information. He has given a different point of view on the research, because (vehicle) body builders don’t tell you what operational paramedics can, and it’s big money. He saved Ambulance Victoria a significant amount of money.”

The cross-border allegiance has a long history, with Mr Lumby growing up in Whitton and living in Leeton Shire before moving to Victoria.

Mr Bailey offered the committee advice on safety considerations and in-transport. patient care as well as helping to put Mr Lumby in contact with other suitable people.

Mr Lumby is the only vehicle design committee member in Victoria to liaise with paramedics on the ground on an interstate basis.

Mr Bailey said the award was unexpected and thanked Ambulance Victoria for the honour.