Former Ambulance Victoria Chief Tony Walker Dies at 63

Tony Walker, the former chief executive of Ambulance Victoria and a prominent figure in Australian emergency services, has died. His passing was confirmed by Ambulance Victoria, which acknowledged his decades of service to the organization and the broader healthcare sector.

### Career in emergency medicine
Dr. Walker began his career as a paramedic in 1988. Over the course of his tenure, he progressed through various clinical and operational roles before serving as the chief executive of Ambulance Victoria from 2015 until his retirement in 2022. During his leadership, he oversaw significant changes in the state’s emergency response systems and navigated the service through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Beyond his executive duties, Dr. Walker held the position of professor of Paramedicine at Monash University. He was recognized for his focus on improving cardiac arrest survival rates and his advocacy for the professionalization of the paramedic workforce. In 2017, he was awarded the Ambulance Service Medal for his contributions to the field.

### Institutional response
Ambulance Victoria issued a statement describing Dr. Walker as a “caring and compassionate leader” who remained deeply committed to the wellbeing of his colleagues and the community. The organization noted that his influence extended across the national ambulance sector, where he was frequently involved in policy development and clinical research.

Current and former colleagues have begun acknowledging his impact on the service, highlighting his transition from the frontline to executive management. The health department and emergency service unions have not yet provided further details regarding memorial arrangements or the transition of his academic responsibilities.