Feature
VideoHealthwise Paramedic
VJ: Rodney Meier

Classification: Community Services & Healthcare

Healthwise Paramedic

Darren Lester thinks being a Paramedic is a great career path for Indigenous people because he believes they are natural care takers - why not put their natural talents to work whilst getting paid for it!

'Healthwise' is an event aimed at providing careers information and some hands-on experience to young people, in particular, aged 13-19 in the health care industry. This event is aimed directly at young Indigenous Australians and is the first of its kind.

At 'Healthwise', students have a chance to meet and speak one-on-one with health industry professionals, map out career paths, see and experience various activities within the health sector - all in the setting of one of RPA Hospital. ‘Healthwise’ also involves an address and custom made video, a Q&A panel with industry professionals, and an expo to allow students to ask questions and experience what it is like to work in health services.

There are a myriad of industry departments involved: Sydney South West Area Health Service; AIG; NSW Ambulance Service, and RPA Hospital.

About Darren Lester

Darren is 35 and a fully qualified Paramedic from La Perouse, Sydney, working out of the Sydney Ambulance Centre. He joined the ambulance service in 2002 after working at Ansett when it went bust and he needed a new career. Darren loves being a Paramedic, although it is a busy and demanding job - on top of looking after three young kids of his own.

Darren says the medical field is developing all the time and you “have to be on top of that”, learning new skills and treatments. It takes three years to become qualified Paramedic at the Ambulance Education Centre, including 8 weeks of a level one course then working as a trainee Paramedic on the road with a senior officer for ten months. Trainees go back to school for three weeks, become a level 2 and continue with on the job training with senior officers.

Darren's advice for becoming an 'ambo' is: to firstly apply for training, update your driver's licence and ensure you have a sparkling clean driving record. Darren says that is of paramount importance, as the major role of a Paramedic is swiftly and reliably stabilising patients, then transporting them to hospital.




Print Page

Community Services & Healthcare

Share |

See Also

  • Freycinet Lodge Freycinet Lodge

    Freycinet Lodge

    Freycinet Lodge: leisurely explore the beautiful coastline by sea kayak, mountain bike or simply sit back, relax and enjoy the food and wine of Tasmania. SkillsOne explores the professions of this pristine area.

    Wednesday December 3, 2008 | Watch Video »

  • The Great Waiters Race returns to Sydney in 2011 on May 15th The Great Waiters Race returns to Sydney in 2011 on May 15th

    The Great Waiters Race returns to Sydney in 2011 on May 15th

    Following the outstanding success of last May’s inaugural Great Waiters Race at the Overseas Passenger Terminal, Circular Quay in support of the McGrath Foundation, planning for GWR II to be held on Sunday May 15 at the OPT is well underway with $20,000.00 in prizes making the Sydney Event one of the richest in the world thanks to De Bortoli Wines, I travel., BHG, The Ivy, Star City and Hilton

    Wednesday December 3, 2008 | Watch Video »

  • In Full Bloom In Full Bloom

    In Full Bloom

    Angela Tsoukatos owns two floristry properties in south-western Sydney and sells foliage to many clients. But without full qualifications, she felt she wasnt achieving all that she could. Through reputable word-of-mouth, the answer seemed to be Padstow TAFE to complete a course in floristry...

    Wednesday December 3, 2008 | Watch Video »