PARAMEDIC Emma Jenkyn has swapped a busy regional hospital for the Inglewood ambulance station in her new career challenge.
Emma was one of 15 paramedics to graduate with Ambulance Victoria this month.
Now stationed at Inglewood, Emma said working in a country station required self-trust in clinical ability.
“You also get to use all of your clinical skills being stationed at Inglewood,” she said.
Emma had completed a double degree in nursing and paramedicine at Australian Catholic University and was on the staff at Bendigo Health for four years.
In 2022, she made a career change to Ambulance Victoria and spent 18 months training in Bendigo.
“I wanted to challenge myself and get wider experience in the world of health care beyond the walls of a hospital,” she said.
“As a paramedic, I now also understand how and why patients are taken to hospitals and seen by nurses on admission.”
The latest cohort of Ambulance Victoria paramedics completed  a structured, on-road supervision and learning program for at least 12 months after completing their university degrees, before becoming fully qualified.
The program helps graduates transition from the classroom to the ‘real world’, integrating into day-to-day team responsibilities and activities.
Other members of Emma’s group have been stationed at Belgrave, Seymour, Clyde North, Dallas, Sydenham, Hillside, Morwell, Tarneit, Winchelsea and Point Cook.
Ambulance Victoria chief executive Jane Miller said: “This group have 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.”
Meanwhile, new volunteers at the State Emergency Service’s Wedderburn unit at the weekend completed their crew level two training in a milestone to having the unit fully operational.