NSW Ambulance has welcomed 16 new paramedics from interstate and overseas, boosting frontline health services across the state.
The qualified and experienced paramedics, from a wide range of locations including, the UK, Canada, USA, New Zealand and interstate, have completed a comprehensive induction program at the NSW Ambulance Education Centre and will begin their nine week on-road training from tomorrow.
“I’m pleased to welcome these experienced paramedics to join NSW Ambulance as they begin the next stage of their careers serving communities across the state,” said Health Minister, Ryan Park.
“The skills and experience they have gained in ambulance services around Australia and overseas will be a valuable addition to our frontline workforce and help support patients when they need it most.
“Attracting qualified clinicians who have worked around the world is one of the ways we are continuing to strengthen our health workforce and ensure communities across NSW have access to timely emergency care.”
This cohort includes Paul Dowling who worked as a paramedic for British Columbia Emergency Health Services in Canada for six years, and Billy Britton, who served with the London Ambulance Service for six years.
“Over the past four weeks we’ve been learning the clinical scope, equipment and procedures used by NSW Ambulance. There are a lot of similarities to what I was doing in Canada, but it’s been a great opportunity to learn a new way of working,” said Mr Dowling.
“I’m excited to be starting on road and learning from experienced paramedics in Armidale as I begin this next chapter of my career.”
Mr Britton said he was looking forward to serving the Hunter community while building on the experience gained with the London Ambulance Service.
“What I enjoy most about being a paramedic is meeting people and supporting them when they need help. Several former colleagues spoke highly of NSW Ambulance, and I’m looking forward to growing my career here and working towards specialist paramedic roles in the future,” he said.
NSW Ambulance Interim Chief Executive, Clare Beech said the organisation was excited to welcome the new paramedics to the NSW Ambulance family.
“Over the past four weeks, they have completed an intensive induction program designed to prepare them for working in NSW Ambulance and meeting the unique demands of emergency care across our state,” she said.
“We look forward to the contribution they will make to our patients and teams in the years ahead.”
