King’s Birthday Honours for St John WA paramedics

Two of St John WA’s finest have been recognised in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours List.

Deane Coxall and Karen ‘Hoppa’ Hollings both received the Ambulance Service Medal (ASM), which is awarded for distinguished service as a member of an Australian ambulance service.

As Manager of Specialist Operations, Deane has transformed systems, fostered collaboration, and championed innovation to strengthen capability, safety, and teamwork.

His commitment, clear communication, and genuine care have elevated performance and morale, making a lasting difference to his team and community.  

Karen, who is better known as ‘Hoppa’, is the brains behind the Dogs 4 First Responders program which provides vital emotional support to ambulance crews and hospital staff who face high-pressure and often traumatic situations.

Her own experience as a paramedic inspired the passion project.

Eleven years ago, Hoppa developed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after being assaulted by a patient while on duty — an incident that left her seriously injured and unsure if she would ever return to work.

Hoppa credits her doctor’s therapy dog for helping her recover both physically and mentally.

Both Deane and Hoppa are treasured paramedics who are highly respected by their peers and whose service of humanity is second-to-none.

“On behalf of everyone at St John WA, I congratulate Deane and Hoppa on this well-deserved recognition,” St John WA Group CEO Kevin Brown said.

“These honours reflect not only their outstanding clinical expertise, but also their unwavering commitment to patients, their colleagues and the WA community.

“They exemplify the very best of our organisation through their professionalism, leadership and dedication to service.”