Haylee Davis among new paramedic recruits

A graduate paramedic based at Ocean Grove – one of dozens of new recruits in the region – has revealed what it has been like starting out as ambos face record demand.

Ambulance Victoria recruit Haylee Davis at the Ocean Grove depot. Picture: Brad Fleet

Haylee Davis is among the graduate paramedics helping ambos battle record demand.

The 25-year-old, who studied paramedicine and nursing at Australian Catholic University, started with Ambulance Victoria in March and is based at the Ocean Grove branch.

“It can be hard, definitely with ramping and the impact of Covid, however there’s been good supports,” she said.

“It’s a very challenging grad year but very rewarding.”

She said she would love to stay in the Barwon South-West region as a paramedic once her graduate year is complete.

Ms Davis, who is originally from Cobden, was inspired to pursue a career in health following a school visit to the Alfred, where she saw the profound impact of health workers on patients.

Managing cardiac arrests have been among the most significant jobs she’s been on so far.

“People have a crazy amount of conditions you don’t know about,” she said.

Ms Davis is among the more than 630 new starters who have joined Ambulance Victoria’s ranks this year as part of a state government paramedic recruitment drive.

This includes 50 recruits who have started across the Barwon South-West region this year.

Premier Daniel Andrews and Ambulance Services Minister Gabrielle Williams last week welcomed the final batch of recruits for 2022.

Graduate paramedics become fully qualified over the course of the year.

Ms Davis said she received guidance while attending to patients.

After completing the Graduate Ambulance Paramedic program, paramedics continue professional development and education throughout their careers.

Originally published as Haylee Davis among new paramedic recruits