Latest AV recruit joins the team

WONTHAGGI local Kaiah Jones was recently recruited to the Ambulance Victoria (AV) Cowes branch as their newest paramedic. 

Graduating from Mary McKillop in Leongatha, Kaiah initially had an interest in veterinary science but soon moved into paramedicine, studying at the nearest Monash campus on the Peninsula. 

“My mum is a doctor at Bass Coast Health and I always had an interest in medicine, I was lucky to get accepted into Monash Peninsula so I could continue my studies whilst living at home,” said Kaiah. 

The Victorian Government’s $35 million boost early this year has fast-tracked the recruitment of another 120 paramedics who started in May. 

Of the paramedics who started in May, 13 have been assigned to branches in the Gippsland Region including Cowes. 

“I am so grateful to have been recruited to the Cowes branch for my grad year, everyone has been so helpful and welcoming,” said Kaiah.

While graduate paramedics become fully qualified over the course of the year, professional development and education will continue throughout their careers to ensure patients receive the very best care.

“The Bachelor at Monash was hands-on, we had access to placement throughout the degree, including non-emerge patient transfer, but now I’m on the road we take part in regular training sessions and complete learning tasks each month,” said Kaiah. 

“It is only early days, but I am already feeling supported through the extensive training and looking forward to taking on the pressure on the road to help the community.”