General News
16 May, 2025
More paramedics hit the road
AMBULANCE Victoria (AV) has recruited 119 new paramedics since November to help respond to record demand and save lives across the state.
AV operational capability director Trev Weston late last week welcomed 20 new recruits who started their careers at AV on April 28 with a four-week induction program.
“Our paramedics, volunteers and support staff are our greatest assets,” Mr Weston said.
“It is through them that Ambulance Victoria continues to lead the way in patient care, including the nation’s best cardiac arrest survival rates.
“We now have just below 5,000 on-road paramedics delivering the very best lifesaving care, everywhere, and it’s great to see more joining our ranks.”
After their induction, the 20 new recruits will hit the road and join experienced paramedic crews on May 26.
Of the latest intake, 14 will go to branches in regional Victoria and six in metropolitan Melbourne.
The recruits undertake a comprehensive induction and training program, giving the ‘real world’ skills they need to hit the road with experienced paramedics.
Mr Weston said that since the introduction of Australia’s first ambulance officers training course in 1961, Victoria has remained a leader in paramedic education.
“In Victoria we are proud to have some of the most highly trained and skilled paramedics in Australia,” Mr Weston said.
“During their induction, our new recruits learnt vital skills such as safely moving and loading patients to prevent injuries, aggression and assault prevention, and safely driving ambulance vehicles.
“Graduate paramedics initially work under the supervision of clinical instructors to assist with the transition from the classroom and integrate into day-to-day team responsibilities and activities.
“However, training continues throughout their entire careers to ensure patients receive the very best, and most up-to-date life-saving care; and paramedics stay safe while they are doing so.”
Mr Weston said that like all AV paramedics, these new recruits have chosen this path because they are compassionate and courageous and want to make a difference to the community.
“It takes a special kind of person to do that, and I wish them all long and rewarding careers at Ambulance Victoria.”
