Lifeguard becomes paramedic

A LIFEGUARD turned paramedic says it made perfect sense to start her Ambulance Victoria (AV) career in a region with so much coastline.

Chelsea Coulson is now working in Geelong, where she began AV’s Graduate Bridging Paramedic (GBP) program late last year.

The 16-month program sees GBPs spend six months working and completing learning tasks under direct supervision on a Medium Acuity Transport Service (MATS) vehicle, before transitioning to work on an emergency vehicle.

Later this year, Ms Coulson will move to Warrnambool for the second phase of the program.

She said she was inspired to pursue a career as a first responder after becoming involved with her local lifesaving club in Williamstown.

“Volunteering there was my first exposure to first aid and community engagement.

“This quickly sparked my interest, so I continued to gain experience by working as a lifeguard at both local recreation centres and beaches.

“My experience from a young age in this area really reinforced my passion to become a paramedic because I’ve always wanted a career that has a positive impact on the community, and as a paramedic you assist people in their greatest moments of need.”

During her paramedicine studies, Ms Coulson had her first taste of working at AV, recruited as a student paramedic surge responder through the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It was a really challenging time, so I’m grateful to have been able to support AV and the healthcare system,” she said.

Now into her graduate position at AV, she is loving every moment.

“Geelong is such a great area and I’m very fortunate to begin my career here,” she said.

“I’ve really enjoyed my first few months on road and feel like I’ve settled in quite well.

“A real highlight for me has been meeting all the other fantastic paramedics in the region. Everyone has been really supportive, and it’s been great having the opportunity to learn from them and pick up some tips and tricks.”

Ms Coulson said she had also had plenty of support from outside of AV.

“I’d really like to thank my friends and family for supporting me in my journey to become a paramedic.

“Their steadfast positive support allowed me to continue to chase my goals and I couldn’t have done it without them.”

For more information on becoming an AV paramedic, head to ambulance.vic.gov.au/careers