Bundaberg's Queensland Ambulance Service paramedic Sally Watson was this week featured on the emergency services #OnTheFrontline Facebook segment to chat about her role in the region.
Sally has just ticked over three years in the job and says she has loved every second (even the night shifts), completing her graduate year in Bundaberg and working as an Advanced Care Paramedic at South Bundaberg ever since.
Sally is a country girl at heart, growing up in Charters Towers and is the eldest of five, with four younger brothers who keep her on her toes.
Sally recalls riding her bike down the main street with her brothers past the ambulance station, waving at the paramedics and admiring the ambulances.
She said she was always helping her brothers, picking them up whenever they hurt themselves, and thinks that’s where her love of looking after people began.
Before starting with the QAS Sally recalled one encounter she had requiring an ambulance ride in 2005.
“I was 9 at the time and was at a Cowboys vs Tigers home game (the Cowboys won 44-2!),” she said.
“I unfortunately broke my leg in a freak accident post-match whilst leaving the stadium.
“I had two wonderful paramedics assist me that night and now in hindsight I recognise this experience also began a burning desire to give back to people in my community.”
Helping people in time of need an honour for Sally
When asked what she loved about her job, Sally said it was the people who made it worthwhile.
“Our job is very unique and we are lucky enough to have the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life and all backgrounds,” she said.
“To be invited into their homes in a time of need, is something to be respected and appreciated.
“I have been able to pat numerous dogs, be chased by a few cats, seen many sewing and craft rooms, admire antique collections and be amazed by luscious gardens and pot plants.
“Not something you get in every work office that's for sure!”
Sally also credited her workmates for making her job so enjoyable.
“I am surrounded by incredible colleagues,” she said.
“I work with parents who still manage full time and part time workloads with young families, critical care flight paramedics who are some of the most intelligent people I have met, fellow on-road advanced care paramedic colleagues are supportive, strong willed and passionate about our community.
“I honestly couldn’t ask to work around better human beings.”
Find out more or view the original post about Sally and her role as a paramedic here.
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