One of Victoria's first female paramedics, Andrea Wyatt ASM, is being celebrated for an incredible 37 years on the job as she completed her final shift this week.
Andrea and Patricia Richards were the first women in Victoria to become ambulance officers, joining Ambulance Victoria (AV), then known as 'Ambulance Service - Melbourne', on 25 July 1987 after a law change finally allowed women to pursue the career.
Andrea Wyatt joined Ambulance Victoria, then known as 'Ambulance Service - Melbourne', on 25 July 1987 after a law change finally allowed women to pursue the career.
Across more than three decades, Andrea made a huge impact at AV and worked many different roles, including as a MICA Team Manager, MICA Paramedic Educator and the first female Clinical Support Officer (CSO).
Andrea's manager for many years, Andrew Burns, said it's been an illustrious career.
"Andrea's impact on the profession is profound, working tirelessly to develop others to achieve excellence whilst always setting the standard personally for greatness," he said.
"You will not meet a more humble, modest and lovely person.
"She has been an excellent MICA paramedic and an outstanding friend and mentor to so many."
Executive Director Regional Operations Danielle North said Andrea has been a trailblazer.
"As one of the first two female paramedics in Victoria, Andrea paved the way for so many of us in allowing us to have a career in paramedicine," she said.
"I can't thank Andrea enough for her contributions.
"She is a true pioneer of our service who leaves with an incredible legacy."
Reflecting on a career with many firsts, Andrea said she always felt welcomed by her colleagues.
"I never really felt different in the job - it just happens that I was the first female in a lot of the things I did at AV," she said.
"It's been a wonderful, rewarding job over the past 37 years."
Andrea and Patricia Richards were the first women in Victoria to become ambulance officers.
