New paramedics start across Geelong

THE next generation of paramedics is in training and some are nearly fully qualified to start work across Victoria.

This year, 239 recruits have joined branches in regional Victoria and 392 in metropolitan Melbourne, with women making up about 65 per cent of the numbers.

During their induction, graduate paramedics learn vital skills such as how to safely move and load patients to prevent injuries, respond to incidents of violence, and drive ambulance vehicles to “lights and sirens” cases.

Graduate paramedics become fully qualified over the course of the year.

After completing the Graduate Ambulance Paramedic program, paramedics continue professional development and education throughout their entire careers.

One of these is Haylee Davis, who started at Ambulance Victoria’s Ocean Grove branch in March.

The 25-year-old said she was inspired to become a paramedic at the age of 16 after taking part in an educational program at The Alfred Hospital during Year 10.”It was to prevent drink-driving, but what I took out of it was how incredible the paramedics were in supporting the patient throughout the emergency department… and I thought ‘I want to do that’.”She said her perceptions of being a paramedic and the reality of actually being one were very similar.

“You do see people on their worst days, you do hold their hand, you do give that empathy and build rapport with a range of people.

“I also have a new perspective of a ‘bad day’, definitely – in saying that, people have overcome the most incredible health conditions early in life that most people wouldn’t see.”

Ms Davis said she had completed her last assessment day and was two modules away from being allowed out in the field without a clinical supervisor.

“Honestly, it’s nerve-racking to be leaving the graduate program but they prepare you really well. I’ve worked with clinical instructors throughout most of the graduate program.

I have an excellent senior team manager. Barwon South West is all very approachable – if you need help and you’re willing to learn, everyone’s willing to help you.”

On Thursday last week, Premier Daniel Andrews welcomed this year’s final batch of recruits, who began a four-week induction program on Monday this week to give them the practical skills they need before they hit the road.

“We’ll keep delivering the resources and infrastructure our paramedics need, so they can keep delivering the best possible care to Victorians,” Mr Andrews said.

“On top of recruiting more paramedics, we’ll keep working in partnership with the workforce to deliver innovative and new ways to provide care as our ambos record demand.”