More graduates have hit the road as part of the 178 graduate paramedics recruited by Ambulance Victoria this financial year.
Based all over the state, the Graduate Ambulance Paramedics (GAP) undertake the 12-month Graduate Ambulance Paramedic program that sees them become fully credentialed.
Under the program, GAPs are supervised by a clinical instructor who helps them transition from the classroom to the 'real world' and integrate into day-to-day team responsibilities and activities.
Get to know some of our new grads!
Lang Nguyen - Graduate at Wodonga branch
After spending six months on the road, Lang's passion for paramedicine is as strong as ever.
Originally from Melbourne, he moved to Wodonga for his GAP program and has fallen in love with regional life, describing the area as peaceful and full of community spirit.
As a teenager, Lang said he wanted a career in health but didn't want to be stuck indoors. It wasn't until his cousin suggested paramedicine that he realised he could do both.
"The idea of becoming a paramedic really appealed to me. I get the opportunity to help others, am presented with new challenges every day, and get to be hands-on performing skills and interacting with people," he said.
"I think it is an honour that as part of our job we help those in their greatest time of need."
So far, Lang said being a paramedic has been "enjoyable and fun" and there is always something new to learn from the people around him.
"One of the many things that makes Wodonga branch special is that everyone is friendly, supportive and it feels like you're interacting with your family.
"I like how there is so much room for growth in AV. As you gain experience as a paramedic there are always opportunities to learn and be trained for different roles," he said.
When he's not working, Lang enjoys hiking, going to the gym, cooking, calligraphy and sewing.
Natasha (Tash) Jacobi - Graduate based at Kyneton branch
No stranger to travel, Tash was born in Australia but raised in Vancouver, with her passion for discovering other places leading her to the Northern Territory before landing in Kyneton.
Describing the Kyneton AV branch as community-minded and supportive, she said her time on road so far has been awesome.
"I am always nervous, but excited for every shift," she said.
"I think I am now finding my feet and everyone at branch has been incredibly supportive and encouraging, which has made all the difference."
Tash's desire to become a paramedic was sparked after watching news coverage of the 7.0 magnitude earthquake in Haiti in 2010.
Tash said she desperately wanted to help in some way, which prompted her to consider a career in healthcare, a decision that would later lead her to paramedicine.
"Paramedicine sort of found me after not knowing much about the profession at all," she said.
"After some research, I realised it would be the perfect fit for me as it combined my interest in medicine and the hands-on application of skills."
While finding the balance between study, work, and personal life has been challenging, Tash said she looks forward to building her knowledge and skills and hopes to eventually become a Wilderness Paramedic or Aquatic Response Paramedic.
Outside of work Tash loves spending time with her family and playing ice hockey.
With her being a paramedic and her wife being a police officer, Tash said they treasure quality time spent with their two dogs and five cats.
Caitlin Cooper - Graduate based at Wodonga branch
After growing up in Tasmania it took Caitlin some time to adjust to the warmer weather, however, she said the friendly and diverse town of Wodonga was slowly becoming familiar to her.
Caitlin was originally interested in a career in medical research before pivoting to paramedicine, although, being a paramedic might be in her blood as her grandfather started the "first response" team in Port Sorell, Tasmania.
Describing her journey with AV as a "rollercoaster", Caitlin said she has already learnt so much and is looking forward to helping people during their most vulnerable moments.
"There's nothing more rewarding than being the person who 'saves' someone's life, regardless of it being a big or small save," she said.
"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't excited to deliver a baby – but I only want to do it if all goes right!"
Heading into this year, Cailtin's main goal is to successfully finish off her grad year.
Outside of work Caitlin said she can often be found reading, playing with her Aussie Shepherd, Marlo, baking or spending time with friends and family. She is also a passionate netballer and hopes to find a local team.
James Hewitt - Graduate based at Wodonga branch
After previously working as a graphic designer, James decided to take his passion for healthcare and turn it into a career.
"I had always been interested in the idea of paramedicine and liked the idea of being able to be out helping the community with no day being the same," he said.
"I also knew it would be a challenging and rewarding career."
After taking the plunge and studying paramedicine, James started on-road at the Wodonga Branch in August 2023.
While it has been a learning curve, James said he is really enjoying his time with AV and can't wait to see what the future holds.
"I am loving it so far! It's a privilege to be able to help and make someone in the community more comfortable on what is most likely one of their worst days," he said.
"I am also loving the challenge of constantly learning something new every day and the team at Wodonga being so welcoming and willing to help with anything."
When he's not providing health care to the community, James can be found hiking or mountain biking through the various scenic landscapes around Wodonga.
