For Andrew, working in emergency care was something he thought he had left behind.

After years as a paramedic with the London Ambulance Service, he moved to Australia intending to take a break from the ambulance world. What began as a short visit soon turned into something much bigger.

“A three-month holiday became ten years,” Andrew laughs. “I’m technically still travelling; I’m just taking my time.”

Today, Andrew works with St John Ambulance Victoria as an Ambulance Transport Attendant (ATA) and Trainer, helping the next generation of patient transport professionals develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed.

But rediscovering his passion for the profession was something he never expected.

A Journey Across the World

Andrew arrived in Australia planning to start a new chapter away from emergency medicine.

After working in the UK and travelling internationally, he thought he had closed the door on ambulance work, but then COVID-19 happened.

Like many organisations, St John needed experienced trainers to support healthcare education during the pandemic. Andrew stepped in to help deliver training, and something unexpected happened.

“I realised I’d found my love for the ambulance again,” he says. “It was something I thought I was finished with, but coming back through teaching reminded me why I loved it in the first place.”

Through training and clinical deployment, Andrew found a new purpose, not only working in patient transport but helping others start their own careers in the field.

Turning Experience Into Opportunity

With years of frontline experience, Andrew now shares his knowledge with students completing St John’s HLT31120 Certificate III in Non-Emergency Patient Transport (NEPT), also the HLT51020 Diploma of Emergency Health Care, which prepares Non-Emergency Patient Transport Officers to become Ambulance Transport Attendants (ATA).

For many, the course is the first step into a career in healthcare.

The program prepares students to work as Patient Transport Officers (PTOs), providing safe transport and care for patients who require medical support but not emergency ambulance services.

For those wanting to progress further, the pathway continues. Graduates who build experience in patient transport can go on to develop into Ambulance Transport Attendants (ATAs), the clinical lead within patient transport teams.

“An ATA is responsible for monitoring the patient and managing their clinical care during transport,” Andrew explains. “If a patient’s condition changes, the ATA stabilises and supports them until paramedics arrive.”

Learning by Doing

One thing Andrew believes sets St John apart is its practical approach to training.

While many education programs rely heavily on theory, St John’s NEPT training focuses on hands-on learning from day one.

 “Most people learn by doing,” Andrew says. “We try to make our courses as practical as possible, because this is a hands-on job. It’s not just about passing an exam; it’s about preparing people for real situations.”

Students work with equipment, practise patient handling and develop the communication skills needed to care for vulnerable patients.

The goal is simple: to ensure graduates feel confident and capable when they enter the workforce.

 “Our trainers genuinely care about student success,” Andrew explains. “Not just academically, but whether we’re actually giving people the skills they need to do the job.”

A Career That Makes a Difference

For Andrew, working in patient transport is about more than medicine; it’s about people.

Every day, patient transport teams support individuals who may be vulnerable, unwell or anxious about their journey between healthcare facilities.

Providing reassurance, care and professionalism can make a significant difference to a patient’s experience.

“It’s incredibly rewarding knowing that the skills you’re teaching will go on to help real patients.”

Life Beyond the Ambulance

When he is not in a green uniform, Andrew enjoys staying active and exploring his fascination with movement.

From dance and acrobatics to wrestling and kettlebells, physical movement has become an important part of his life.

“I’m fascinated by how people learn and how the body works,” he says. “Whether it’s teaching medical skills or learning a new form of movement, it’s all about understanding how people grow.”

Start Your Career in Patient Transport

If you are looking for a hands-on healthcare career where you can make a real difference, patient transport could be the perfect place to begin.

St John Ambulance Victoria’s HLT31120 Certificate III in Non-Emergency Patient Transport (NEPT) provides the practical skills needed to work as a Patient Transport Officer (PTO) and support patients safely between healthcare facilities.

Through a combination of hands-on training, experienced instructors and real-world scenarios, the course prepares students for a rewarding role in the healthcare sector.

As Andrew explains:

“Our focus is making sure students leave with the skills and confidence to actually do the job. It’s a practical career, so the training needs to be practical too.”

Graduates may go on to work in patient transport services across Victoria, with opportunities to progress further into roles such as Ambulance Transport Attendant (ATA).

Learn more about the course and upcoming intakes here: Certificate III Non-Emergency Patient Transport - Course HLT31115 | St John Ambulance VIC Australia