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