By Emma Xerri
Ambulance Victoria has welcomed its latest batch of graduates to the Advanced Life Support (ALS) paramedic ranks, at a ceremony on Sunday 19 May.
Joined by family and friends, the group of now fully-qualified ALS paramedics came together at the Ambulance Victoria Capability Hub in Sunshine to formally mark the end of the Graduate Ambulance Paramedic (GAP) program.
The structured, on-road supervision and learning program lasts for at least 12 months after completing their university degrees, helping graduates transition from the classroom to the ‘real world’, and integrate into day-to-day team responsibilities and activities.
Taking her newfound knowledge to the Belgrave ambulance is graduate Taryn Daly, who was “excited” and “relieved” to be graduating.
“You go through such a process with three years of university, and then a graduate year with Ambulance Victoria, so it’s a lot of hard work, but it’s really rewarding,” she said.
“I did my graduate year in Karingal, so since the end of the program I’ve really enjoyed getting to know the Belgrave area. I live near the beach, so I love getting to go to work in the hills. It’s beautiful there.
“And because we are so close to the hills, we are working outside a lot, and a lot more people are really active in that space, which is really nice.
“It’s also been a great challenge learning how to work with a new team and in new hospitals.
“Belgrave is such a tight-knit community, and I really like that aspect of it. The people are all very friendly, and it really feels like you are able to make a big difference.
Since beginning her paramedicine studies, being able to help people has been the highlight for Taryn.
“My favourite thing about being a paramedic is helping people every day,” she added.
“You go into people’s homes when they’re dealing with their toughest moments, so it’s a unique role.
“I enjoy meeting all different kinds of people every day and talking to patients and their families.
“And I love that I get to come to work and do all that alongside some of my best mates.”
But for Taryn and the other graduates, their network of peers are not the only people providing ongoing support as they study and work in their new fields.
“My partner Brandon has also been very supportive – he always has dinner ready when I get home from work, or when I’m studying he’s always cooking and cleaning.”
And her brother Stuart, who has been a paramedic in Wodonga for almost 10 years, has also served as a major inspiration.
“He’s 12 years older than me and such a big role model in my life.
“He’s helped me with studying, with any questions I have and giving me advice.
“It was great finishing my grad year and to be able to tell my brother my results and sharing my achievements with him.”
AV Chief Executive Jane Miller said the graduation was a big achievement for the new paramedics.
“We congratulate all our newest advanced life support paramedics on completing their time as a graduate ambulance paramedic and are thrilled to celebrate this milestone in their careers,” she said.
“It’s fantastic to hear what motivated each of them to become paramedics, and while these reasons vary, we are all linked by a passion to help and care for our community.
“This group has already spent significant time on-road making a positive impact to patients across the state, so they understand what an honour it is to provide Best Care to all Victorians, and we’re excited to have them join us in delivering that.”
