Tassie local moves north to become ACT paramedic

Tasmania’s natural beauty inspires people from all over the world, who pursue all kinds of different goals.

For Tasmanian Jessie, her love of nature in the Apple Isle eventually led to her completing her training as a paramedic in the ACT.

“I was working as a bushwalking guide and did some wilderness first aid training,” remembers Jessie, “and I just loved it!

“I was able to respond to a few minor medical events while I was out on track. 

 

“Then went into ski patrol, which involved lots of first aid training, and I really enjoyed responding to people and helping people. Following that I eventually ended up training as a paramedic through the University of Tasmania."

But why move to Canberra to become a Graduate Paramedic Intern? Jessie says the ACT Ambulance Service (ACTAS)’s strong reputation carried a lot of weight, even across the Bass Strait.

“The graduate program here is really well known across Australia, and it’s recognised as a service that looks after its people,” says Jessie.

“I spoke to paramedics from Ambulance Tasmania, which is also a great service, and they had nothing but praise for how things operate in the nation’s capital.

“I was also really impressed by what I experienced here on my interview day, and how responsive all the staff were to people who were applying for the program.”

Since arriving in the Territory, Jessie has been pleased that ACTAS’ Graduate Paramedic Intern program has lived up to its reputation.

“I think one of the best things about the program here is how we all feel like we're part of something really inclusive,” says Jessie. 

“It feels like a family, and Erin (Paramedic Clinical Educator) has just been amazing!

“She's made us feel all so welcome, so safe, which has allowed us to focus on our important training.”

Jessie’s decision to move to Canberra also lined up with her personal life, with her partner already working for ACTAS.

Jessie says, since arriving in the ACT, she’s enjoyed getting to know the Territory.

“Obviously my first stop was Questacon,” laughs Jessie.

“I made a bit of an effort to go and do all the touristy things early on, which was super fun.

“But the nicest thing has been how warmly I’ve been treated by everyone I've met. Canberra feels like a really welcoming place."

Jessie and her fellow Graduate Paramedic Interns are now on-the-road with ACTAS crews, getting first-hand experience and on-the-job training, before they complete their final exams.

Jessie says the group that she’s trained with are very tight-knit.

“These guys are great, we've got such a supportive crowd,” says Jessie.  

“We all want each other to succeed, and that’s made it such a great learning environment.

“Now that we are heading out with experienced ACTAS crews, we are going to see everything from really low acuity to high acuity.

“But we are all looking forward to doing the best we can for ourselves, our patients, and our community.”