ON CALL: Orange intensive care paramedic Darren Smith teaches Adam Parker a thing or two. To have two paramedics with these skills is a major boost for the region. Photo: LUKE SCHUYLER
People in the central west can feel safer, with a new fully qualified intensive care paramedic ready to help locals in their time of need.
Bathurst’s Adam Parkers has just completed six months training, and spent 14 weeks learning on the job in Orange.
He now holds the highest possible qualifications for a paramedic in Australia.
It’s a massive boost for the region.
“Historically a position like this is saved for the metropolitan area rather than regional, so it’s fantastic for Bathurst and Orange to get highly skilled paramedics,” he said.
As well as 14-weeks working alongside Darren Smith in Orange, Mr Parker completed theory work in Rozelle, three weeks training in hospitals, as well as various other on-the-job training.
“It was very tough, very intense all the time,” he said.
“There was lots of study, lots of working in hospitals, working in Orange and learning new things.
“For me personally, it’s always been a career ambition of mine to complete this training. I’m really happy.”
And Mr Smith said the central west would benefit from Mr Parkers added skills.
“Absolutely fantastic. It’s been a pleasure teaching Adam. He’s got the right personality, temperament, professionalism and skills to be an asset to the region,” he said.
Mr Parker returned the favour, believing the skills he learned in Orange were as good, if not better, than anywhere in the state.
“Orange has become a terrific centre for training,” he said.
“As well as my training, there’s three probation officers learning in Orange, which is a real positive for the area.
“The Orange team is great, they’re really keen and excited to learn. You’re in good hands.”
