Michelle Slater
Traralgon paramedic Aimee Beattie always loves receiving a simple thank you from the patients she treats as part of her day-to-day work.
Thursday was Thank a Paramedic Day where people across the state had the opportunity to reach out and thank their local ambos.
This month, Ambulance Victoria also celebrates its 10th anniversary as well as 135 years since ambulance services began operating in the state.
“It’s always nice when I get thanks, even if it’s six months later if someone recognises me in the street and says thank you for helping me save a family member,” Ms Beattie said.
Ms Beattie was following a long-held family tradition of working in healthcare when she knew that being a paramedic was her calling. Her mum, aunt and grandma were nurses.
“I didn’t want to be a nurse, but I still wanted to work in healthcare. Ambulance drivers get out in the field, and you don’t know what you are going to every day – it’s a great job,” she said.
Ms Beattie said long hours, difficult patients and horrific road accidents were some of the more challenging aspects of the job but that’s when her training kicks-in.
“The unknown can be challenging – sometimes not knowing what you are being called out to can be daunting,” she said.
“Major incidents such as large car accidents with multiple patients and organising who needs to be treated first – your mind’s in overdrive. You have to think on your feet.”
She said some of the simple aspects of the job were the most rewarding such as helping elderly people get up after a fall in their own homes.
“People say to me that they could never be an ambo. I don’t know if it takes a special type of person. You need to be able to go above and beyond and put others above yourself,” she said.
Ambulance Victoria chief executive Tony Walker said paramedics and volunteers were grateful for the many messages of support they get.
“We know that most people in their day-to-day lives probably don’t give much thought to the service we provide and we understand that they just want to know that we’re here when they need us – and I assure you, we are,” Mr Walker said.
