General News
21 March, 2025
Lifeguarding inspired graduate paramedic
NEW graduate paramedic Chelsea Coulson will move to Warrnambool later this year for her second phase of Ambulance Victoria’s Graduate Bridging Paramedic (GBP) program.
Chelsea, one of Barwon South West’s newest graduate paramedics, said it made perfect sense to start her Ambulance Victoria (AV) career in a region with so much coastline.
It was her experience as a lifeguard that led her to paramedicine.
Chelsea is currently working in Geelong, where she began AV’s graduate bridging program late last year, but expects to be in Warrnambool before the year ends.
The 16-month program sees GBPs spend six months working and completing learning tasks under direct supervision on a medium acuity transport service (MATS) vehicle before transitioning to work on an emergency vehicle.
Reflecting on her path to Ambulance Victoria, Chelsea said she was inspired to pursue a career as a first responder after becoming involved with her local lifesaving club.
“Volunteering there was my first exposure to first aid and community engagement,” Chelsea said.
“This quickly sparked my interest, so I continued to gain experience by working as a lifeguard at both local recreation centres and beaches.
“My experience from a young age in this area really reinforced my passion to become a paramedic because I’ve always wanted a career that has a positive impact on the community, and as a paramedic you assist people in their greatest moments of need.”
During her paramedicine studies, Chelsea has had her first taste of working at AV, recruited as a student paramedic surge responder through the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It was a really challenging time, so I’m grateful to have been able to support AV and the healthcare system,” she said.
Now into her graduate position at AV, Chelsea said she is loving every moment.
“I’ve really enjoyed my first few months on the road and feel like I’ve settled in quite well,” she said.
“A real highlight has been meeting all the other fantastic paramedics in the region; everyone has been so supportive and it’s been great having the opportunity to learn from them and pick up some tips and tricks.”
