NSW Ambulance has welcomed 116 new paramedic interns and 21 emergency medical call takers, after they were officially inducted into the service at a ceremony at the State Operations Centre in Sydney yesterday.
This graduation is the second to be held this year, boosting frontline health services across the state, with many of the new recruits commencing their first shifts from today.
The new recruits come from a range of backgrounds and experiences, including paramedic intern Tia Lieschke, who stayed calm while caring for her cousin after she was injured by a falling tree, and trainee emergency medical call taker Hayley Francis, who is looking forward to a new challenge after years working as a nurse.
The paramedic interns will be posted across NSW to complete the on-road portion of their 12-month internships, before taking permanent positions in metropolitan and regional areas.
The emergency medical call takers will all be posted to Sydney & Northern Control Centres.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health, Ryan Park:
"Congratulations to NSW Ambulance's newest inductees - their skills and compassion will touch countless lives across our state.
"These new paramedic interns and emergency medical call takers represent the next generation of dedicated first responders, ready to serve their communities in a time of need.
"Their commitment to patient care and emergency response will strengthen our frontline health services making a real difference in people's lives."
Quotes attributable to NSW Ambulance Interim Chief Executive Claire Beech:
"This induction is an important milestone for these new recruits and for NSW Ambulance as a whole.
"Every call our new paramedic interns and trainee emergency medical call takers respond to is an opportunity to make a difference, helping those in our community often at their most vulnerable.
"I am proud to welcome this latest class of trainee control centre staff and paramedic interns into the service, further enhancing our capacity to deliver timely, professional and patient-centred care.
Quotes attributable to paramedic intern Tia Lieschke:
"I was inspired to become a paramedic after seeing first-hand how they help save my cousin's life when she was struck by a falling tree in 2025.
"I am excited to embrace life as a paramedic intern on the Mid North Coast, gaining valuable experience and develop as a paramedic in regional NSW."
Quotes attributable to trainee emergency medical call taker Hayley Francis:
"I am looking forward to joining NSW Ambulance for a new career direction and challenge.
"As that first point of contact for people in need, my role as an emergency medical call taker will be an instrumental part of a patient's journey."
