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From Volunteer to Ambulance Transport Attendant: Darcy’s Path to Becoming a Paramedic

As we celebrate Paramedic Day, we shine a light on the passionate individuals who are on the journey to becoming paramedics, and the stepping stones that support them along the way. For Darcy, that journey began 7 years ago when she started volunteering with St John Ambulance Victoria.

“I started with St John when I had just turned 18,” Darcy shares. “I joined the Altona Division as a First Responder, and now I’m working with the East Keilor Division in Non-Emergency Patient Transport as an Ambulance Transport Attendant.”

From a young age, Darcy had a strong desire to help others and explore a career in healthcare. Volunteering with St John became the perfect starting point.

“I’ve always had a passion for helping people,” Darcy says. “St John seemed like a great way to get started; it’s hands-on, community-focused, and really helps you understand what it’s like to care for people in need.”

Through volunteer work, Darcy discovered a particular interest in ambulance services. That interest led to pursuing a role in Non-Emergency Patient Transport (NEPT), a valuable and rewarding experience that helps build clinical skills and confidence on the road.

“I’m really happy working in non-emergency. It’s a great learning curve, and you gain so much experience that helps you grow clinically and professionally,” Darcy explains. “It’s also a great stepping stone if you want to go on and become a paramedic.”

While the roles in event health services and non-emergency are different, Darcy says both offer unique learning opportunities. Transitioning from volunteering at events to working on-road came with new challenges, but also a deeper understanding of patient care.

“You’re exposed to different clinical presentations, which helps grow your knowledge and makes you a better medic,” she says. “But at the end of the day, it’s about the impact you make. Whether it’s calming someone during a stressful moment or hearing a heartfelt ‘thank you’ from a family member, you know you’ve made a difference.”

Darcy’s story is a powerful reminder that volunteering with St John can be more than just a way to give back; it can be the first step in a meaningful healthcare career.

“Anything we can do to make someone’s experience better, that’s what I take home at the end of the day.”

 

Inspired by Darcy’s story?

If you’ve ever thought about becoming a paramedic or working in healthcare, volunteering with St John Ambulance Victoria could be the start of your journey. Gain real-world experience, learn life-saving skills, and make a difference, just like Darcy.

Learn more and join our team today: Volunteer recruitment info session

For HLT31120 Certificate III Non-Emergency Patient Transport, visit: Certificate III Non-Emergency Patient Transport - Course HLT31115 | St John Ambulance VIC Australia

 

st john first aid at events volunteers

Volunteers

Since 1883, our volunteers have been saving lives and delivering care and compassion to those in sickness, suffering and distress throughout Victoria.