NSW Ambulance has today welcomed 56 new paramedic graduates and 19 emergency medical call takers, who have been officially inducted into the service at a ceremony held at the State Operations Centre in Sydney.
The paramedic graduates will be posted across NSW to complete the clinical component of their 12-month induction, while the new emergency medical call takers will be based at the Sydney, Northern, Western and Southern Control Centres.
This latest cohort provides a further boost to frontline emergency health services across the state, bringing a diverse range of experiences and backgrounds to NSW Ambulance.
This includes paramedic graduate Kristen Fitt, a former veterinary nurse, and trainee emergency medical call taker Ellie Reardon, who has a degree in forensic science and is a former Australian Federal Police crime scene investigator.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health, Ryan Park:
"This new class of paramedics and emergency call takers will help strengthen our frontline emergency services across the state.
"Whether responding to Triple Zero (000) calls, treating patients on scene or helping coordinate emergency responses from our control centres, these new recruits will play a vital role in keeping communities safe.
"The Minns Labor Government is rebuilding essential services by recruiting more health staff, including paramedics, doctors, nurses, and allied health workers."
Quotes attributable to NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Clare Beech:
"Welcoming new staff into the service is a privilege and reminder of the enduring commitment to serving the community in times of need.
"Each call that our new paramedic graduates or emergency medical call takers respond to is an opportunity to make a positive impact in someone's life."
Quotes attributable to paramedic graduate Kristen Fitt:
"In 2021, I felt a growing desire to take the experience I had gained in veterinary medicine and apply it to make a difference for people in my community.
"While my patients and working environment have changed significantly, the foundation of how I care for others remains the same."
Quotes attributable to trainee emergency medical call taker Ellie Reardon:
"I enjoy working in a fast-paced environment and having to make important logistical decisions in real time.
"I have always been community focused and a natural progression for me was to eventually evolve into emergency healthcare."
