NSW Ambulance has welcomed 91 paramedics in training who were officially inducted into the service in a ceremony held last week at the State Operations Centre in Sydney, providing a further boost to frontline health services across the state.
This marks the first induction ceremony of the year, with this cohort part of a Post Employment Tertiary Pathway (PETP) course. The paramedics in training are employed by NSW Ambulance while they complete a degree in paramedicine at university.
They have just completed a comprehensive 12-week induction program at the NSW Ambulance Education Centre and begin their on-road training as paramedic students from this week.
The PETP course is facilitated over four years and provides an alternate pathway for people with no prior medical experience to become a paramedic with NSW Ambulance. Once these paramedics in training have completed their degree qualification, they can apply to be registered paramedics.
Natalie Saridakis, formerly an emergency medical call-taker with NSW Ambulance, is one of 19 paramedic students who have joined this class after working in NSW Ambulance Control Centres.
“For many years I was a carer for my mum, having frequent contact with the local paramedics,” Natalie said.
“I was always impressed by their compassion and kindness that it really inspired me to join NSW Ambulance.
“I started out as an emergency medical call-taker which was a great start, but right now I am so excited to begin this new chapter.”
Brad Carr also starts his career as a paramedic student today, following in the footsteps of his paramedic father Dominic, who works as an educator for NSW Ambulance.
“I am proud to continue a family legacy in becoming a paramedic,” Mr Carr said.
“My father has had a lengthy career, and I am looking forward to forging my own path.”
The paramedics in training will initially be posted across metropolitan and regional locations in NSW for the on-road training component of their course and will return to the NSW Ambulance Education Centre and their university regularly for additional training over the four-year course.
NSW Minister for Health, Ryan Park, said “I’m thrilled to welcome 91 new paramedic students into the NSW Ambulance service, boosting frontline health services and playing a critical role in the health and wellbeing of the community.”
“By aspiring to join the paramedic ranks, these paramedics in training will become part of a legacy of service and dedication. The work they do not only changes lives but will uphold the values and standards of a profession that is deeply respected and admired,” Minister Park added.
NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan said, “These paramedic students join an incredible team that is united by a shared commitment to provide emergency medical care and comfort to members of our community when it matters most.”
“Paramedics are not only healthcare providers but also trusted and respected individuals in our community,” Dr Morgan added.
