The two university-studied trainees have been working hard under local mentors at the Singleton Ambulance Station, attending on average four call outs each shift. 

Singleton Ambulance Station Officer Mick Smalley said they generally take on one or two trainees every year and that it was a good way for the veteran staff to keep on their toes with the current ideas in the paramedic field. 

However, it’s the Singleton staff’s many years on the job that the trainees are greatly benefiting from.

“Working with people who have been paramedics for a long time is great because they’re a vault of knowledge and can think of a case scenario for any of your questions,” Alana said. 

When it came to job itself, Alana said it had lived up to her expectations and more.

“The patient contact is something that stands out for me,” she added.

“You meet people from all walks of life and gain an insight into their life that you wouldn’t normally get otherwise.

“They trust you, a stranger, in an intimate moment.”

Fellow trainee Michael said the outdoor aspect of the job and the fact that every day could be completely different to the last was what he enjoyed about the job.

“Being thanked for what you do, even though it’s your job, is gratifying to,” he told The Argus.

The trainees will complete between 12-18 months’ work in Singleton before returning to their universities for their final tests to become fully-qualified paramedics.