It was a graduation event of firsts and potential lasts.
In mid-March, 80 new paramedics graduated as part of a surge in workforce to support NSW Ambulance’s response to COVID-19, with 60 of the new recruits serving the communities of rural and regional NSW.
It was the first time a graduation event had been held inside the new State Operations Centre (SOC) at Homebush – and it didn’t disappoint.
Due to COVID restrictions, non-graduate attendees were limited to NSW Ambulance educators and members of the Executive Leadership Team.
But Mike Richer, Associate Director of Education, said the SOC’s Atrium proved to be a perfect setting to usher in the next generation of paramedics.
“Once we take up residency fulltime it will be a very exciting location to have friends and family attend as well,” he said.
“The sound quality was very good too.”
With close to 300 new paramedics beginning their careers since the start of this year, this surge class also represented the last planned COVID-19 surge class.
Senior Assistant Commissioner Clare Beech, Executive Director Clinical Systems – who attended and spoke at the graduation ceremony - said these new Paramedic Interns would provide a boon to the workforce.
“The entire workforce has been working tremendously hard to keep the community safe, today this group joins our team who continue to provide support to the people of regional and rural NSW in their times of need,” Ms Beech said.