Lisa McLeod

Intensive Care Paramedic

Time in service: 8 years

Biography:

Lisa is an Intensive Care Paramedic who has spent the past eight years with ACTAS, growing from a keen graduate into a highly respected clinician known for setting an incredibly high bar for herself. Lisa undertakes continuous clinical development and is always striving to deliver the best possible care to every patient she meets. Her commitment to excellence flows into her work supporting others, too. As a Training and Development Officer, Lisa has helped mentor many graduate paramedics, offering clear guidance, honest feedback, and a supportive approach that makes people feel confident and capable. She also teaches regularly at the university, fostering the growth of many students. Colleagues often describe Lisa as someone who leads by example, genuinely invested in lifting the standard of care across the service. Lisa has also been an active union representative, advocating strongly for opportunities and support for women in the workplace. Her voice has helped push important conversations forward in a positive, practical way. On top her role in ACTAS, Lisa is a fantastic mum, balancing demanding shifts and leadership roles, while still being fully present for her three beautiful children.

Career Highlights:

Lisa’s career is marked by strong clinical achievement and steady professional growth, beginning with her qualification as an Intensive Care Paramedic and continuing through her reputation for consistently high‑level patient care. She has supported developing clinicians as a Training and Development Officer, known for her practical, encouraging approach, and she extends this impact through her teaching at the university, helping students build confidence and capability. Lisa leads by example and serves as a positive role model, particularly for women pursuing advanced clinical roles and has shown that it can be achieved all whilst being a dedicated and caring mum.

Esther Breiner

Consumer Liaison Officer

Time in service: 5 years

Biography:

After a 24-year career in Qantas customer service, Esther joined ACT Ambulance as a call taker where she put her refined skills to good use supporting members of the community through their toughest days. Since joining ACTAS Esther continues to demonstrate her ability to make a difference: working in Call Taker Quality Assurance ensuring that other Call Takers were supported to perform at their best, becoming a trained dispatcher and achieving promotion to her current role as Consumer Liaison Officer. Esthers’ compassionate personality, good humour and never-ending drive for excellence in service delivery make her a valued member of the ACTAS headquarters team where she excels in managing the feedback from consumers, as well as co-ordinating ACTAS input into key community engagement initiatives, including Restart a Heart Day. She is a highly respected member of the Clinical Governance Unit and a strong advocate for the role of Communications staff as central to good ambulance service.

Career Highlights:

• Call Taker
• Call Taker Quality Assurance
• Qualified Dispatcher
• Consumer Liaison Officer

Jennifer Levett

Intensive Care Paramedic & A/Clinical Support Officer

Time in service: 15 years

Biography:

Jen is an Intensive Care Paramedic and Acting Clinical Support Officer with extensive experience across paramedicine, education, and nursing. Her career reflects remarkable versatility, having worked as a frontline paramedic, clinical educator, university lecturer, and registered nurse. She regularly serves as a Remote Area Nurse in Indigenous communities, demonstrating deep compassion, cultural respect, and a commitment to improving health outcomes in remote settings. Known for her warmth, humour, and genuine kindness, Jen consistently embodies the organisation’s care values. She is a passionate advocate for graduate development and ensures graduates feel safe, supported, and confident as they transition into practice. Her support extends to experienced clinicians, those returning to practice, or transferring from another jurisdiction, always delivered with humility and patience. Jen is widely regarded as a role model, demonstrating professionalism, resilience, and leadership through her actions and the way she uplifts others. Her ability to create psychologically safe learning environments and foster confidence and connection has made her an influential mentor and a deeply respected colleague. She leads through influence rather than title, bringing people together, inspiring confidence and connection, and elevating the culture around her. Her impact is felt widely and meaningfully across the organisation.

Career Highlights:

Jen’s career spans more than two decades and reflects exceptional breadth, capability, and dedication. She has served as a frontline Intensive Care Paramedic, Educator, Clinical Support Officer, and university academic, contributing to the development of clinicians at every stage of their careers. Her work with graduates has been particularly influential, with many graduates crediting her steady guidance, reassurance, and advocacy as pivotal to their early success. As a registered nurse, Jen regularly works as a Remote Area Nurse in Indigenous communities, providing culturally safe care in challenging and resource‑limited environments. This work demonstrates her adaptability, clinical depth, and commitment to improving health outcomes in remote settings. Her contributions to university education have helped prepare future paramedics long before they reach operational practice, and her approachable teaching style has made her a trusted and respected educator. Within the organisation, she supports clinicians returning to practice, transferring from other jurisdictions, or seeking professional growth, always offering thoughtful, grounded, and practical guidance. Jen’s career is defined not only by the roles she has held, but by the positive, lasting impact she has had on people. She leads through influence, connection, and example, strengthening the culture around her and elevating those she works alongside.

Natalie Koning

Clinical  Support Officer & Intensive Care Paramedic

Time in service: 15 years

Biography:

Natalie Koning commenced with Ambulance Tasmania in 2011 after beginning her healthcare career as a Registered Nurse for three years. Since qualifying as a Paramedic, she has continued to broaden her clinical expertise, becoming an Intensive Care Paramedic in 2018. Natalie has contributed across a wide range of acting leadership roles, including Operations Supervisor, Operations Manager, and Clinical Support Manager. Natalie currently works as a Clinical Support Officer, where she combines her strong clinical knowledge with her educational capability, empathy, and dedication to advocacy. In this role she provides high‑level professional support to frontline clinicians, helping to strengthen practice, confidence, and wellbeing. She also plays an active role in shaping system-wide improvements in clinical practice, clinician support structures, and educational frameworks. Natalie’s commitment to supporting others also extends beyond her formal duties. After many years serving on the HACSU Ambulance Sub-Branch Executive and the Regional Ambulance Consultative Committee, she continues to champion positive change through her work on the Women in Ambulance Advisory Committee and as a staff union representative. Her ongoing advocacy reflects her deep belief in fairness, inclusion, and fostering a supportive workplace for all.

Career Highlights:

Natalie tends to shy away from highlighting individual career achievements, instead reflecting on how the diverse opportunities throughout her career have shaped her both personally and professionally. She credits this breadth of experience—from her early years in nursing, to intensive care paramedicine, to multiple acting leadership roles—as instrumental in her growth. More importantly, Natalie values these opportunities for the impact they allow her to make: championing meaningful improvements in clinical practice, strengthening the support provided to clinicians, and advancing diversity and inclusion across the organisation. These motivations guide her daily work and underpin her ongoing commitment to advocacy through her committee contributions and union representation. Natalie’s focus remains firmly on improving outcomes for colleagues, patients, and the broader workforce, rather than on personal recognition.

Kylie Kapeller 

Manager - Community First Responder & Volunteer Unit

Time in service: 3 years

Biography:

Kylie is the Manager of the Community First Responder & Volunteer Unit for Ambulance Tasmania, where she is recognised as an exceptional and compassionate leader. Kylie brings a deep personal understanding of the volunteer experience through her own service as a Second Officer with the Middleton Volunteer Brigade of the Tasmania Fire Service. Her firsthand appreciation of the time, commitment, and heart that volunteering requires strengthens her ability to advocate for and support Ambulance Tasmania’s dedicated volunteers. Kylie consistently embodies the organisation’s CARE Values (Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence) in every aspect of her work. She goes above and beyond to ensure volunteers have what they need to succeed and remain supported, valued, and empowered. A natural mentor, Kylie is highly respected by colleagues and volunteers alike. She strives for continual improvement, willingly steps in wherever help is needed, and inspires those around her through her integrity, commitment, and genuine care for others.

Career Highlights:

Since stepping into the role of Manager for the Community First Responder & Volunteer Unit in September 2022, Kylie has embraced every challenge with determination and excellence. She has successfully delivered two Community AED Fund rounds, ensuring lifesaving defibrillators are placed in high-priority locations across Tasmania, with a third round currently underway. Kylie also led the rollout of Ambulance Tasmania’s GoodSAM partnership, which launched in June 2024. This significant initiative connects responders to nearby cardiac arrest incidents and maps registered AEDs, strengthening community readiness and improving early intervention before emergency crews arrive. Kylie’s leadership, passion and commitment to community safety continue to drive positive change. She is deeply respected for her knowledge, her proactive approach and her ability to inspire others across the organisation

Emma Blight

Safety and Quality Officer

Time in service: 13 years

Biography: 

Emma began her career in 2013 as a Volunteer Ambulance Officer and Patient Transport Officer before joining the Ambulance Tasmania Communication Centre as a call taker and dispatcher in 2016. She quickly distinguished herself through her calm performance under pressure, strong clinical reasoning, and genuine commitment to patient and staff wellbeing. Her frontline experience provided a deep understanding of the demands of emergency communication and the essential role of accuracy, compassion, and teamwork. Motivated by a passion for safety and continuous improvement, Emma progressed to team leader and later to Safety and Quality Officer for the Communication Centre. In this role she has influenced how safety, quality, and professional learning are embedded across the service. She leads safety reviews, supports system and process upgrades, and provides consistent guidance to staff. Emma played a pivotal role in creating and implementing the organisation’s first formalised emergency call taker induction program, ensuring new staff receive structured and contemporary training. She also contributed to developing the Communication Centre’s Essential Skills Maintenance program, strengthening professional development pathways for call takers and dispatchers. Her leadership fosters a culture of learning and resilience, and she has made a lasting contribution to staff capability, organisational safety, and the delivery of high‑quality care to the Tasmanian community.

Career Highlights:

Emma has played a central role in advancing safety, quality, and professional development within Ambulance Tasmania’s Communication Centre. Her leadership has supported major initiatives that strengthened operational capability and improved staff support. One of her most significant achievements was leading the upgrade of the Medical Priority Dispatch System. This modernised dispatch capability, improved triage accuracy, and ensured the Communication Centre is aligned with contemporary clinical and technological standards. Her coordination, attention to detail, and understanding of frontline practice were essential to its success. Emma also leads regular safety and quality reviews that identify opportunities to enhance communication centre practice. Her collaborative and practical approach fosters staff confidence and continuous improvement. She was instrumental in designing and implementing the organisation’s formalised emergency call taker induction program, providing new staff with consistent, high quality training. She also contributed to the development of the Communication Centre’s first Essential Skills Maintenance program, expanding pathways for professional growth. Emma’s leadership continues to strengthen the capability, safety, and resilience of the Communication Centre community.

Danielle Berry

Operations Supervisor - Critical Care and Retrieval

Time in service: 20+ years

Biography:

Dainelle ‘Danners’ Berry is a highly respected Flight Paramedic with over 20 years’ experience as a frontline paramedic in AT. For the past 6 years working for CCR as a valuable Flight Paramedic working across the HEMS, IFT and SAR helicopter platforms. She is a confident leader and an integral Management Team member. For the last 12 months Danners has been working in the Operations Supervisor role at Critical Care and Retrieval (CCR) a frontline management and leadership role that supports the day-to-day human resources at CCR and base facilities. This role also requires innovation and creativity to develop systems to maintain specialist equipment, clinical hardware and consumables to support helicopter operations. Dannielle’s talent lies in her ability to authentically support Flight Paramedics in rostering, leave management, specialist equipment and stock holding PLUS represent AT management and strategic CCR objectives. She is not afraid to have difficult conversations in order to build respectful and strong relationships across the three key stakeholder agencies in the hangar. Danners is an approachable, solutions focused and efficient leader.

Career Highlights:

Acting Operations Supervisor CCR (Current- with extended periods in 2024-5) Intensive Care Flight Paramedic (August 2019-current) Acting Clinical Support Manager (January 2024) Acting Clinical Support Officer (Jan 2018 – August 2019) Branch Station Officer (2014- 2021) Intensive Care Paramedic (2011-current) Paramedic (2005-2011) Bachelor of Science with Honors (2002) Bachelor of Science (2001) Associate Degree in Paramedic Studies (2008) Advanced Diploma of Paramedical Science (2011) Graduate Certificate of Aeromedical Retrieval (2020) Graduate Certificate in Health Service Management (Safety and Quality) (2022) Graduate Certificate in Health Professional Education (2024

Vikki Couper

Ambulance Community Officer

Time in service: 23 years

Biography:

Vikki joined the local CERT team as a First Responder volunteer when it was first started in the Boort and district community in 2003. She then became an ACO when Boort transitioned to an ACO branch. She has continued to increase her knowledge base completing a Diploma Emergency Health Care, all while working full time at the local school as the Office Manager and maintaining her role within the local Branch as an ACO volunteer.

As a local living in the community, Vikki has volunteered her time and skills in many community groups, including the local A&P Society, sporting clubs, the Cemetery Trust, and the Anglican Church.
This involvement over many years means that Vikki knows and cares for the people in the community, regularly attending callouts to locals in need.

Vikki has always performed her duties in a caring and professional manner. Her genuine empathy and effective communication with patients and families provides a calm and reassuring presence in difficult situations.

Over the years she has also been a sounding board for the Team Leader offering her suggestions to improve the operations of the branch and how to engage with the community. Being supportive of inexperienced ACOs in training sessions and on the job, through sharing her knowledge and experience, is always appreciated.

Career Highlights:

• 2003 CERT volunteer
• 2016 Transition to an ACO
• Diploma Emergency Health Care. (Completed during Covid-19 pandemic)
• Multiple Community Engagements covering "Call Push Shock", recruitment and education.
• Recognition of 10, 15 and 20 years service awards.
• Meritorious Service award during the 2019-2020 Victorian Bushfires and Covid-19 pandemic response.
• 10 and 20 years Safe Driving Award.

Avis Salisbury

President - Lakes Entrance Ambulance Auxiliary 

Time in service: 8 years

Biography:

Avis Salisbury has been a dedicated volunteer since 2018, with the Lakes Entrance Ambulance Auxiliary and has served as president since 2022, stepping into the role at a critical time to help prevent the Auxiliary from closing.

With Avis at the helm, she worked tirelessly to recruit new members and rebuild the committee, with the support of several long-standing volunteers who chose to remain involved.

Together, Avis and the committee have grown the Auxiliary into a well-known and highly supportive group of volunteers. They run regular and varied fundraising activities and work closely with local community groups to achieve shared goals and raise funds locally. From Friday night raffles at the Lake Tyers Beach Tavern, to book sales hosted at the local Mechanics’ Institute and run by the Gippsland Lakes Lionesses, these strong partnerships have fostered significant community support.

The Lakes Entrance Ambulance Auxiliary is now bigger and stronger than ever; thanks to Avis and the team she has built. The funds they raise help enhance local ambulance services, support projects across Gippsland, and contribute to AED awareness initiatives, including the gifting of AEDs to areas in need.

Career Highlights:

• Joined the Lakes Entrance Ambulance Auxiliary Committee in 2018 and became an active, committed contributor to committee operations and community engagement.
• Took on the role of president in 2022 during a critical period, providing leadership that helped stabilise the Auxiliary and prevent its closure.
• Led efforts to increase Auxiliary membership by recruiting new volunteers and supporting the retention of long-standing members.
• Established and maintained regular, sustainable fundraising activities, including weekly Friday night raffles hosted by the Lake Tyers Beach Tavern.
• Developed strong community partnerships, including regular book sales hosted in collaboration with the Lakes Entrance Lionesses.
• Plays a key role in raising funds to support the Lakes Entrance Ambulance Auxiliary and local Ambulance Victoria services.
• Actively involved in the planning and purchase of equipment and resources totalling almost $70,000 during her time with the Auxiliary.
• Championed increased awareness of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and improved access to AEDs across Lakes Entrance and surrounding communities.

Tania Northey

Team Leader - Ambulance Community Officer

Time in service: 10+ years

Biography:

Tania is an exceptional, long serving Ambulance Community Officer whose dedication to the Mt Beauty community has set an extraordinary benchmark for First Responders across Victoria. With years of unwavering service, she has become a cornerstone of her local team—known for her calm professionalism, deep clinical knowledge, and steadfast support for her colleagues.

Highly respected across the Hume region, Tania is a strong and passionate advocate for her fellow ACOs. As Hume’s First Responder representative at State and Regional Forums, she is a trusted voice whose insight shapes meaningful and lasting improvements. Her contributions to the CPG Committee have directly influenced a recent uplift in First Responder protocols, improving patient care across the state.

Tania’s commitment to education is equally impactful. She plays a pivotal role in inducting new First Responders, leading Initial Training courses, and continually strengthening clinical consistency, confidence, and readiness across the region.

Her dedication, leadership, and advocacy have profoundly improved patient care in her community and beyond - leaving a legacy felt across the entire First Responder program.

Career Highlights:

• Over a decade of service to AV, with strong ties to her community, she is the first to put her hand up when help is required.
• ACO Team Leader
• Her well-articulated contributions to AV's Clinical Practice Guideline Committee while serving on the CPG Committee led to the recent uplift in clinical protocols improving clinical practice for First Responders across the state
• Hume representative at First Responder State Forum
• Team Leader representative at Hume Regional Forum
• Leads First Responder Initial Training
• Passionate advocate for continuous improvements to statewide First Responder training and education
• Outside the uniform, she’s a powerhouse athlete - winning 10 gold and 2 bronze medals at the Australasian Emergency Services Games.

Bianca Wilkie

Ambulance Paramedic/Community Support Officer - Wellington

Time in service: 11 years

Biography:

Bianca has dedicated herself to providing exceptional clinical front-line service to communities in Gippsland for over ten years. She has spent much of her recent career working in the isolated rural township of Yarram, juggling acting team manager duties, an on-call roster and being a devoted mother and partner. Her leadership and passion for the role have also led to her relieving the Paramedic Community Support Coordinator role in Wellington, where she oversaw first responder teams and took the lead on establishing a Heart Safe Community. She has been commended for her community engagement skills, quickly establishing crucial rapport with vulnerable groups and communities and representing AV to a high standard.

Bianca has a passion for first responders, and enthusiastically advocates for ACOs in the AV workforce, passionately dedicating her time to their recruitment, training and education. Bianca is a role model for our working mums, women and young people alike. She has a strong sense of empathy, compassion, resilience and integrity. Bianca is someone who truly embodies the AV values

Career Highlights:

• Acting Team Manager
• Clinical Instructor
• CE Preceptor/Facilitator
• Acting Paramedic Community Support Coordinator.

Kirsten Mitchell

Ambulance Paramedic

Time in service: 12 years

Biography:

Kirsten Mitchell: a Dynamo of Care and Compassion.

If you’ve met Kirsten Mitchell, you know one thing: her energy is unstoppable. Kirsten is the kind of paramedic who never slows down when it comes to helping others. Her enthusiasm for patient care and community wellbeing is infectious, inspiring everyone around her to lift their game.

On the front line, Kirsten delivers exceptional clinical care with calm precision, even in the most challenging situations. But her impact goes far beyond the ambulance doors. She’s a natural leader and mentor, always ready to guide new team members and share her knowledge. Her ability to connect with people patients, colleagues, and community groups has strengthened trust and improved outcomes across Wallan and beyond.

Kirsten’s drive doesn’t stop there, she has championed innovative programs that reduce response times and improve rural healthcare access, proving that her ideas are as powerful as her actions. Her passion for education and preparedness has empowered local communities to feel safer and more informed.

Kirsten Mitchell is more than a paramedic she’s a force of nature. Her endless energy, compassion, and commitment make her a true role model and a deserving nominee for the 2026 Women in Ambulance Honour Roll.

Career Highlights:

• Frontline Excellence: Delivered outstanding clinical care in countless high-pressure situations, earning a reputation for calm, precision, and compassion.
• Leadership & Mentorship: Actively mentors new paramedics and fosters a supportive team culture, inspiring confidence and growth in others.
• CERT Education Champion: For many years, Kirsten has been an active player in educating our amazing Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT), initially at Craigieburn and later at Kinglake, helping build capability and confidence in these vital volunteer teams.
• Community Engagement: Built strong partnerships with local organisations and schools, leading health education and emergency preparedness programs that empower communities.
• Innovation in Rural Care: Contributed to initiatives that improved response times and patient outcomes in rural areas, demonstrating vision and commitment to better healthcare access.
• Recognition & Impact: Known as a “dynamo” for her endless energy and enthusiasm, Kirsten consistently drives positive change and sets the standard for excellence in paramedicine.
• Kirsten’s career reflects unwavering dedication, innovation, and leadership qualities that make her a standout nominee for the 2026 Women in Ambulance Honour Roll.

Cheryl des Landes

Head of Clinical Governance

Time in service: 41 years

Biography:

Cheryl des Landes lives in sunny Hawkes Bay with her family and an assortment of animals. She is passionate and dedicated to patients and paramedic practice. From her early days as a volunteer and then as the first female paid ambulance officer in the Hawkes Bay, she has served as a role model both clinically and professionally. She was the first Advanced Paramedic and worked for years as the only female Intensive Care Paramedic in her region, attending to critically unwell patients in her community. She has also spent years in management roles supporting patient safety and clinical quality, and now serves as Head of Clinical Governance in the Clinical Services Directorate.

Career Highlights:

From her early days as a volunteer and then as the first female paid ambulance officer in the Hawkes Bay, she has served as a role model both clinically and professionally. She was the first Advanced Paramedic and worked for years as the only female Intensive Care Paramedic in her region, attending to critically unwell patients in her community. She supported the Christchurch Earthquake response in 2011. 

She has also spent years in management roles supporting patient safety and clinical quality, and now serves as Head of Clinical Governance in the Clinical Services Directorate.

These days, she leads patient safety, clinical quality, and professional standards as the Head of Clinical Governance in the Clinical Services Directorate at Hato Hone St John.

In the past year, she has attended a Workplace Investigators Course, and continues to elevate clinical governance and professional practice by reviewing credentialing standards and consumer experience.

Heather Keele

Group Operations Manager

Time in service: 20 years

Biography:

A highly respected Group Operations Manager with Hato Hone St John Ambulance in Mid Canterbury, Heather is known for exceptional leadership, clinical expertise, and an unwavering commitment to people. Balancing operational excellence with compassion, they play a pivotal role in ensuring safe, effective, and responsive ambulance services across the region.

As an experienced manager, Heather leads from the front, bringing real-world managerial insight into decision-making and mentoring. Heather is deeply valued not only as a manager, but as a trusted peer supporter someone colleagues turn to for guidance, reassurance, and advocacy during both challenging and everyday moments. 

With a strong focus on team wellbeing, professional development, and community outcomes, Heather fosters a culture of respect, resilience, and continuous improvement. Her ability to connect with people at all levels, combined with calm leadership under pressure, makes her a cornerstone of the Mid Canterbury team. 

Dedicated, approachable, and driven by service, Heather exemplifies the values of Hato Hone St John and continues to make a meaningful difference for staff, Patients and the wider community.

Career Highlights:

2004 Ambulance Officer

2007 National Diploma Certificate

2011 Paramedicine Degree

2017 Station Manager Appointment

2021 Peer Support Officer

2022 Group Operations Manager

2025 Admitted to the Order Of St John

Sarah Shields

Area Operations Manager - West Coast

Time in service: 15 years

Biography:

Sarah started as a Volunteer with HHStJ in the small seaside village of Ngunguru in 2011. With a background in Resort and Hotel Management, Sarah has worked around NZ, Australia and the Pacific Islands and has developed as a leader in Emergency Ambulance Operations.  Sarah trained as an EMT and was appointed as a Group Operations Manager in 2022 and moved back to the South Island with a promotion in 2024 to Area Operations Manager.   

Sarah is widely respected for her role in driving culture change within her team as part of Tasman District Operations.  Sarah has championed leadership practices that prioritise trust, accountability, psychological safety, and staff wellbeing—while maintaining excellence in patient care and operational efficiency.

In her current role, Sarah is leading cultural and operational improvements that are strengthening team engagement, improved communication, and empowering frontline clinicians to contribute to continuous improvement. 

Sarah recently completed a road show that provided every person in the West Coast ambulance teams to embrace a station charter that empowered every volunteer and paid member to sign into an agreed level of conduct and support on the back of HHSJ values. 

Sarah is in discussion with her other emergency services contacts to collectively focus on empowering and growing our women in leadership on the West Coast. This has widely been acknowledged as a gap and Sarah is leading the journey of changing this landscape. With an impending two day conference workshop titled ‘IGNITE’ being advanced in the planning, this will bring together a number of key agencies across the entire West Coast including key note speakers, displays, exercises and an underlying theme of connection and building relationships. 

Through her dedication to team cohesiveness, Sarah is achieving safer, more resilient work environments—positively impacting staff morale, service delivery, and community outcomes in a geographically vast area.

Career Highlights:

1. Volunteering and responding as an EMT in numerous life-threatening and challenging situations.
2. Appointment as Group Operations Manager (Mid-North) in 2022, supporting teams and improving services during the EAS Leadership change rollout.
3. Completion of Peer Support Officer training, providing additional skills to mentor and support colleagues.
4. Promotion to Tasman District – West Coast Area Operations Manager, contributing to strategic initiatives, leading senior staff, and strengthening stakeholder relationships.

Olive Taylor

Integrated Operations Centre Manager - Systems and Support

Time in service: 23 years

Biography:

Olive has been a manager at HHStJ since 2011 when she moved from being a Dispatcher to Team Manager within the Clinical Control Centre. In 2016 she was promoted to Centre Operations Manager (Auckland), and later Acting Assistant Director Operations – Clinical Communications in 2020, and to the permanent role of General Manager Ambulance Operations – Ambulance Communications in 2022. In 2025 Olive was appointed IOC Manager – Systems & Support.

Olive is a champion at Hato Hone St John for wahine Māori leaders and has done so for many years. As a key figure within our Kāhui Mauaka function since it’s established, Olive is the longest serving member, so has helped shaped a continuity in this area of strategy. Olive also continues to support Tātai Taurite equity monitoring, oversight, and planning.

Olive is the organisation’s subject matter expert for the computer aided dispatch (CAD) in terms of user acceptance and implementation.

Career Highlights:

Support Tātai Taurite equity monitoring, oversight, and planning.
Key figure within our Kāhui Mauaka function since its establishment.
Role model.
Repeated technical project implementations with careful consideration given to patient safety and quality. This includes CAD upgrades (multiple platforms), and implementation of the health transport CAD.

Yvette Warren

Critical Care (Helicopter) Paramedic

Time in service: 21 years

Biography:

Yvette Warren joined NSW Ambulance in 2005, commencing her career in rural New South Wales at Albury and Mungindi. In 2006, she returned to Sydney and was posted to Summer Hill Ambulance Station before undertaking Intensive Care Paramedic training in Newcastle in 2010. Following qualification, Yvette was based at Bankstown Ambulance Station, where she served for the next decade.

During this time, Yvette balanced the challenges of working at a busy station while raising three daughters, welcoming them between 2013 and 2018. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to mentoring and professional development, frequently supporting colleagues and contributing as an acting Paramedic Educator, including instructing on the ICP upgrade pathway.

In 2023, Yvette achieved qualification as a Critical Care Paramedic with NSW Ambulance Aeromedical. She further advanced her skills in 2025 by completing the Remote Area Access Course and Helicopter Paramedic Course, becoming one of a small number of women to attain this capability. Since then, Yvette has actively supported and guided other women aspiring to aeromedical operations.

Yvette is widely recognised for her positive attitude, professionalism, and leadership, and is a respected role model within NSW Ambulance and beyond.

Career Highlights:

Joined NSW Ambulance in 2005 and worked in country NSW (Albury and Mungindi) before returning to Sydney in 2006 and taking up a position at Summer Hill Ambulance Station. Yvette successfully completed her Intensive Care Paramedic Training in Newcastle in 2010 before once again returning to Sydney and taking up a position at Bankstown, where she worked as an ICP for more than a decade. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to mentoring and professional development, frequently supporting colleagues and contributing as an acting Paramedic Educator, including instructing on the ICP upgrade pathway. In 2023, Yvette achieved qualification as a Critical Care Paramedic with NSW Ambulance Aeromedical. She further advanced her skills in 2025 by completing the Remote Area Access Course and Helicopter Paramedic Course, becoming one of a small number of women to attain this capability. Since then, Yvette has actively supported and guided other women aspiring to aeromedical operations.

Yvette is widely recognised for her positive attitude, professionalism, and leadership, and is a respected role model within NSW Ambulance and beyond.

Genevieve Davey

Intensive Care Paramedic 

Time in service: 36 years

Biography:

Genevieve Davey has been a dedicated member of NSW Ambulance since 1989, commencing her paramedic career in the North Sydney Sector. In 2001, she transferred to the Hunter New England Sector, where she has since built extensive operational experience across a wide range of clinical and operational settings.

Currently based at Hamilton, Genevieve works on the Intensive Care Paramedic (ICP) vehicle, delivering high-acuity pre hospital care to critically unwell and injured patients. Prior to this role, she was attached to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service as part of the dual paramedic roster, contributing her advanced clinical skills to complex aeromedical missions.

Before joining NSW Ambulance, Genevieve worked as a Registered Nurse, practising across Australia and internationally. Her hospital experience includes roles at Launceston General Hospital (Tasmania), Royal North Shore Hospital (NSW), and health services in Victoria and Western Australia. Within the hospital environment, she worked as both a Midwife and Registered Nurse, with clinical experience in Emergency, Coronary Care (CCU), and Intensive Care (ICU).

Genevieve has also worked extensively overseas, including deployments in Iraq, the Solomon Islands, and East Timor, demonstrating enduring commitment, adaptability, and excellence in challenging environments.

Career Highlights:

Genevieve Davey has built a distinguished career defined by professionalism, advanced clinical capability, and exemplary leadership in high risk environments. Among her most significant career milestones is her deployment to the Thredbo landslide disaster in 1997, one of Australia’s most complex and challenging rescue operations. As one of the few female paramedics operating at the highest clinical level at the time, Genevieve contributed her skills and resilience to a response effort that demanded technical competence, composure, and sustained teamwork under extreme conditions. Her involvement in this nationally significant event remains a defining moment in her professional journey.

Genevieve’s career also features extensive service with the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, where she undertook numerous missions requiring rapid decision making, advanced treatment, and operational coordination. One mission of particular importance involved being winched, alongside an Intensive Care Paramedic colleague, onto a coal ship off the Newcastle coast to treat and extract a critically unwell patient. The situation presented substantial operational hazards, including a dynamic marine environment, restricted working areas, and the inherent risks associated with helicopter winching operations.

Genevieve led the mission with clarity, courage, and innovative thinking, ensuring the patient was stabilised and safely transferred to definitive care. This operation stands as a testament to her capability, dedication, and leadership.

Kate Mansell

Duty Communications Manager

Time in service: 3 years

Biography:

Kate joined NSW Ambulance in 2023 as an Emergency Medical Call Taker at the Southern Control Centre, and quickly progressed to Communications Team Leader, providing frontline leadership and support to the call taking team.

In this role, she was at the forefront of continuous improvement and skills development of her team.  Drawing on her background as an ICT business analyst, Kate was instrumental in enhancing the interpretation and application of workforce management data to improve service delivery targets, overall operational efficiency and team morale within Southern Control Centre.  She dedicated significant commitments a range of working groups across BAU activities and with projects in the Control Centre Reform program.

In 2025, Kate made a significant contribution to the Duty Communications Manager project. This project has transformed operations by the creation of a new operational role and structure, placing a call taking specialist as the senior supervisor of call taking operations at the Sydney Control Centre, with statewide service delivery responsibilities. Kate was a leading contributor driving this innovation at every stage of the project from the initial consultations and planning, to merit-based appointment to the role during a pilot, and appointment to the role in BAU implementation.

Career Highlights:

As Communications Team Leader in the Southern Control Centre, Kate made significant contributions to continuous improvements across a number of areas. One major area was implementing a workforce adherence project that aimed at enhancing the interpretation and application of workforce management data to improve service delivery targets, overall operational efficiency and team morale within Southern Control Centre.

Kate contributed to a range of working groups aimed at systems improvements in both BAU as a member of a working group undertaking routine policy reviews, and as a part of the transformative Control Centre Reform program, where she contributed to project working groups on orientation and induction, new ways of rostering, variance of practice, Communications Team Leaders and the Duty Communications Manager.

As a part of the Duty Communications Manager project, Kate made significant contributions in every stage of the implementation of this new senior operational supervisor role.  From initial consultations to the design of duties, responsibilities and ways of working, through to real time improvements during the operational pilot, Kate was critical in the successful implementation of this project. She is among the first group of staff appointed to this role.

Joanne Knight

Acting Deputy Director, Finance

Time in service: 9 years

Biography:

With more than two decades of experience in senior accounting, finance leadership and governance, Joanne has built a reputation as a trusted expert in transforming complex financial environments. Across multiple industries, she has become the “go to” leader for correction, stabilisation and renewal - driving initiatives that strengthen compliance, increase productivity and embed sustainable, efficient financial processes.

Joanne consistently delivers results in high pressure settings, managing competing deadlines while reshaping finance operations, introducing effective controls and developing cohesive, high performing teams. Her strength lies in combining strategic insight with practical innovation - leveraging existing talent, redesigning workflows and building systems that work smarter and more collaboratively.

Passionate about process improvement, change management and the professional development of her teams, Joanne thrives in organisations that share her commitment to integrity, continuous improvement and positive cultural impact. She is dedicated to contributing meaningfully to organisational objectives and delivering outcomes that enable long term strategic success.

Career Highlights:

• Successfully completed the FBT return and all soft close procedures—including statutory and external audit reporting—within tight deadlines while also covering her substantive role and coordinating state-wide PPE distribution under the centralised ordering mandate. 

• Rebuilt cohesion between the financial accounting and operations teams during the return to office period, following significant division caused by COVID 19 lockdowns and multiple management changes. 
• Awarded 2021 Employee of the Year for ensuring all staff were consistently protected with appropriate PPE throughout the pandemic, while simultaneously maintaining core financial responsibilities. An exceptional achievement for a corporate staff member working in a heavily operational environment. 

• Oversaw operational procurement, the operations team, and related finance functions while concurrently managing PPE coordination during the pandemic. 

• Restored supplier relationships across various regions, leading to accounts being lifted from hold and enabling the resumption of critical services. 

• Streamlined the use of Oracle and its sub modules across the finance team, eliminating manual processes and improving productivity, efficiency, and staff morale. 

• Delivered finance and operational procurement training across all business units, resulting in substantial improvements in compliance with procure to pay policies and procedures organisation wide.

Emma Shawyer

Manager Specialist Paramedicine Policy

Time in service: 12 years

Biography:

Emma is the Manager Specialist Paramedicine Policy for NSW Ambulance. A specialist clinician with a foundation as a Registered Nurse, Intensive Care Paramedic and Rescue Paramedic. Frontline experience spans traditional frontline ambulance roles, major incidents, bushfires, floods and the COVID‑19 pandemic.

Throughout 2025, Emma led a quality‑improvement program in the Murrumbidgee region that lifted advanced airway success from 69% to 81% by aligning clinician feedback, theatre placements and High Acuity Low Occurrence (HALO) tools.

Emma has embraced leadership through data sharing having designed two operational dashboards that turn data into decisions. One is a ICP Skills Audit dashboard (tracking audit coverage, actions and compliance uplift) and a clinician‑facing HALO Skills exposure dashboard (giving paramedics real‑time feedback on exposure, recency and development opportunities). 

Emma is the lead clinician coordinating and representing NSW Ambulance within the statewide trauma system across fifteen meetings each month and has converted interagency collaboration into changes to practical procedures and education. She also conducts data analysis and report writing for research and operational projects, supporting evidence-based changes and training priorities. Her early research includes developing a survey instrument to validate hospital placements for paramedics.

Career Highlights:

Significant milestones
• Rescue paramedic 
• Intensive Care Paramedic 
• Registered Nurse
Leadership
• Led teams and deployments through bushfires and floods
Education 
• Masters Traumatology (Research)
• Post Graduate Degree in Intensive Care Paramedicine
• Bachelor of Nursing/Bachelor of Paramedicine
Contribution to NSW Ambulance (early career)
• Developed the first trial of Significant Event Register within the Hunter Region to document welfare support after challenging incidents.
• Implementation of Broselow Paediatric Tape post Masters Traumatology Research
Contribution to NSW Ambulance (current)
• Led a quality improvement initiative in Murrumbidgee region to raise advanced airway successful intubation rates from 69% to 81% by using clinician feedback, theatre placements and HALO skills dashboards across 2025.
• Designed and implementing two operational dashboards: a governance & ICP Skills Audit dashboard that tracks audit and compliance uplift and a clinician facing HALO Skills dashboard that provides paramedics with real time feedback on skill exposure, recency and opportunities
• coordinates statewide trauma hospital engagement (15 meetings/month), turning interagency collaboration into practical changes and education

Jane Storer

Acting Director Clinical Operations, Sunshine Coast and Wide Bay Region

Time in service: 16 years

Biography:

Jane commenced with the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) as an Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) and has worked across the state in multiple operations centres. Jane has demonstrated authentic, reflective leadership and quickly adapted to leading a large team in a high-pressure environment. She has positively reshaped operations centre culture amid increasing demand pressures and leads with a supportive and consultative approach. Jane's strong operational knowledge, consultative change leadership and clear communication have strengthened team engagement.

Career Highlights:

Jane has undertaken many roles including:
• Acting Quality Assurance Officer
• Acting Operations Centre Supervisor
• Executive Manager Operations Centre

Rachel Mitchell

Principal Advisor, Strategy and Governance

Time in service: 18 years

Biography:

Rachel Mitchell has had a significant career providing governance services to the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS). Rachel initially provided excellent support to several executives within QAS Head Office, and over time, has transitioned to become a pivotal member of the Strategy and Governance Unit. She has worked across several fields, including Performance Reporting, Executive Officer and has been the Senior Advisor for Strategy and Governance for the last 10 years. In her role, Rachel coordinates the QAS Governance Committee, supporting the Commissioner to ensure the QAS is well led and achieved its purpose.

Career Highlights:

• Rachel is one of the most caring and thoughtful team members that I have had the privilege of working with. Her attention to detail, respect for her work, and her support for other team members makes her a very special employee.
• Rachel is an exceptional leader in governance and her ability to achieve best practice across the QAS is highly regarded.  In particular, Rachel provides direct coaching to other officers in similar roles, including travelling to assist regional offices to identify and implement improvement.

Tina Muche

Paramedic, Weipa Ambulance Station, Far Northern Region

Time in service: 20 years

Biography:

Tina is a dedicated paramedic with experience in pre-hospital emergency care and patient transport who strives to deliver high-quality patient care. Tina is committed to providing compassionate, patient care and continuously improving through ongoing training and certification. Tina has formed positive relations with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in Weipa, Napranum and Mapoon and is respectful of the community elders and has created strong connections with the whole community. 

Career Highlights:

Tina has worked in both communications and as an on road paramedic. Tina is currently working as a senior paramedic at Weipa Ambulance Station.

Melanie Tecarr

Director Clinical Operations, Northern Region

Time in service: 18 years

Biography:

Throughout her 18-year career, Melanie has worked in various roles with the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) including Emergency Medical Dispatcher, Supervisor and Manager roles to her current role as Director Clinical Operations, North Operations. Melanie demonstrates exceptional leadership across the Northern Region, acting as a trusted mentor and inspiring role model to many.  Melanie is a member of the QAS SOAR (Supporting Others to Achieve and Rise) Advisory Group, a supportive environment to empower and encourage women to pursue leadership opportunities and is also a Cultural and Capability Champion who actively champions change by fostering connections and empowering others to build confidence.

Career Highlights:

Melanie has undertaken many roles, including:
• Executive Manager OpCen Northern Operations
• Acting Assistant Commissioner
• Operations Centre Supervisor
• Acting Manager Operations Centre

Claire Wehlow

Director Clinical Operations, Central Region

Time in service: 23 years

Biography:

Claire exemplifies values-based leadership within the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS), guiding all aspects of ambulance operations and clinical performance to deliver strategic outcomes in her portfolio. She empowers frontline supervisors through a systems leadership approach, aligning daily operations with long-term goals. Passionate about building leadership capability, connection and building excellence in others, Claire fosters respect, inclusion, and psychological safety across the workforce. Her commitment to staff welfare, continuous improvement, and clinical excellence drives high-performing teams and sustainable outcomes, benefiting both QAS employees and the communities they serve.

Career Highlights:

Claire has undertaken many roles, including:
• Director Clinical Operations
• Acting District Director
• Clinical Education Manager

Amanda Balmer

Volunteer Team Leader

Time in service: 9 years

Biography:

Amanda is a Volunteer Team Leader at SA Ambulance Service, Peterborough Station, providing essential patient care to the community as well as training and mentoring new volunteer recruits and supporting the station with key tasks like rostering. 

In early 2025, Amanda became an ambassador for the new SAAS recruitment campaign ‘Join the team in green’, along with other volunteers across the state. Amanda’s approach to this was outstanding, using social media and her own creativity to engage and inform the community about volunteering with SAAS. Amanda’s success in this role was evident as she achieved 505,228 views and a reach of 167,519 on her social media account - five times the amount of any other ambassador in the program. This was due to Amanda’s ability to tap into the often challenging and sometimes thorny subjects of why people opt not to volunteer, getting to the heart of the matter, Amanda made a compelling case for why people should consider volunteering.

Amanda put 100% into this volunteer campaign, attending street exhibitions, creating window displays and posting daily on Facebook. All of this while volunteering for SAAS, studying paramedicine, working as a nurse and taking care of her own family.

Career Highlights:

Amanda is a long term SAAS operational volunteer at Peterborough. As a Volunteer Team Leader and Rostering Officer, Amanda positively promotes SAAS in the community by leading by example.
Amanda responds to many incidents in the community as a single responder and as part of a crew and has attended various cases of significant duration due to distance and travel in remote South Australia. 

Amanda has adapted operationally, clinically, and personally to the challenges presented to her and all while studying her Paramedicine Degree part time and working as a Nurse in the community and the Orroroo Hospital.
Amanda mentors new volunteer recruits, providing guidance during training. Well respected by her team, she is regarded as someone who goes well above and beyond what is required of a SAAS volunteer.

Amanda is also involved in the “SPRING Committee” – a group supporting mental health in emergency services and the community.

As Volunteer Ambassador, Amanda has reached over half a million South Australians with her engaging and inclusive social media posts to help SAAS’s volunteer recruitment campaign. She is an essential part of the campaign which in 2025 saw over 300 people sign up to volunteer with SAAS.

Ruby Evenden

Acting Intensive Care Paramedic

Time in service: 6 years

Biography:

Ruby is an Intensive Care Paramedic who has worked in frontline roles for SA Ambulance Service (SAAS) within paramedicine and clinical dispatch. 

Ruby has been instrumental in developing the Clinical Supervisor Dispatch and Network Operations role which plays a pivotal role both within SAAS and the wider health network to improve statewide patient flow. As well as helping to develop the role and connections with external stakeholders, Ruby has also used her expertise, insight, and conscientiousness to develop a training program and associated materials for new and existing staff.

Ruby has a passion for patient-centered care with an ability to provide the best achievable patient outcomes in a timely and efficient manner whether working behind the scenes or on the road as a Paramedic. She is supportive of her colleagues and has built strong relationships which have created a positive work environment and patient-centered discussions. This, combined with her strong work ethic, ensures that Ruby is well-respected and highly regarded across the organisation and wider health system.

Career Highlights:

• Intensive Care Paramedic
• Paramedic
• Hospital Ambulance Liaison Officer
• Clinical Supervisor Dispatch and Network Operations
        - Contributed to role development from early implementation
        - Developed training program
• Clinical Improvement Officer
        - Rapid offload procedure development
        - Capacity Management Plan improvement
• Volunteer Ambulance Officer

Simone O'Dea

Strategic Projects Manager, Country Operations

Time in service: 20 years

Biography:

Simone O’Dea is the Strategic Projects Manager for SA Ambulance Service (SAAS), Country Operations. Simone has also held roles within the SAAS Volunteer Support Unit as it’s manager and then as a senior project manager supporting SAAS’s volunteer workforce. 

Simone was responsible for the first Strategic Volunteer Framework at SAAS, building a roadmap for sustainable volunteering in SAAS that still influences thinking today. Since early 2023, Simone has fulfilled the role of Strategic Projects Manager for Country Operations leading work on the Volunteer Insights Survey, Community Consultation, Country Operations Business Plan and Service Delivery Model amongst many other initiatives.

Simone’s leadership style is highly collaborative and engaging, leading to effective relationship building and common understanding of broad, complex strategic level thinking. Simone is passionate about volunteers and volunteering - driving much of the often-unseen work that supports other team members in the Country Operations Team to ensure service delivery across regional South Australia.

Career Highlights:

Manager, SAAS Country Operations Volunteer Support Unit (VSU) during its formative years creating a strong foundation for its key role in SAAS today.
- Developed the original Volunteering Sustainability Framework that enabled many high-level projects in the volunteering space.

In her role as Strategic Project Manager, leading and developing significant projects such as:
- 2024 Volunteer Insights Survey – the first time Volunteers in SAAS were surveyed about how volunteering works for them and what needs to be considered for the future. A CAA Award Winning project in 2025 that saw 40% of SAAS’s volunteers respond which led to an Action Plan that is informing and driving change.
- Country Operations Business Plan–led and developed the plan based on feedback from a cross section of Country Operations.
- Country Operations Service Delivery Planning Project–leading and facilitating consultation with teams across the state to better understand impacts to service delivery design of a Service Delivery Model for the future.
- Regional Community Consultation– Led and facilitated community consultations with stakeholders (including volunteers) and community members to understand what communities need from their ambulance service. Outcomes from this consultation are providing guidance and strategic planning on current and future service delivery challenges.

Dr Joanna Oakeshott

Head of Unit Retrieval Coordination, SAAS Medstar

Time in service: 13 years

Biography:

Dr Joanna Oakeshott is an inspiring leader in retrieval medicine with over a decade of dedicated service to SA Ambulance and MedSTAR. As the Head of Unit for Retrieval Coordination at SAAS MedSTAR, South Australia’s Statewide Emergency Medical Retrieval service, Joanna ensures seamless collaboration across health networks to deliver lifesaving care to critically ill and injured patients.

Joanna contributes to the service delivery in SA Ambulance through her methodical investigation and collaboration in Ambulance and rural health on safety learning system cases to ensure effective change.

Joanna also leads the major incident preparedness at SAAS MedSTAR and has been instrumental in working with SAAS major incidents to reinvigorate multi-agency training with a recent Major Incident Medical Management and Support course on base at MedSTAR.

Joanna is a senior Emergency Physician at the Royal Adelaide Hospital (RAH) and has worked internationally, spending a year in the United Kingdom to refine her aeromedical evacuation skills. A Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) reservist, Joanna plays a vital role in critical care evacuations and trains doctors, nurses, and paramedics to maintain their clinical competency.

Joanna is a passionate advocate for women in pre-hospital and retrieval medicine, actively supporting initiatives that promote inclusivity and professional development.

Career Highlights:

• Head of unit retrieval coordination for SAAS MedSTAR Statewide Emergency Medical Retrieval unit, responsible for interacting with SAAS Emergency operations staff, all local health networks within South Australia, external stakeholders including the Royal Flying Doctors Service and delivery of retrieval services for critically ill and injured South Australians.
• Leader in women in pre-hospital and retrieval medicine group within South Australia and Australia.
• SAAS MedSTAR lead of the SAAS Major Incident Review and Implementation group
• Worked overseas in the United Kingdom for a year to improve clinical experience in pre-hospital and retrieval medicine (PHRM) in another country/environment/system to improve skills and develop broader network relationships.
• Senior Emergency Physician at the RAH.
• Active RAAF reservist who works in critical care aeromedical evacuation as well as training full-time doctors, nurses and paramedics with key skills to ensure competency and currency.
• Recipient of South Australian Emergency Services Commendation 2025

Sophie King

Area Clinical Team Leader and Intensive Care Paramedic

Time in service: 11 years

Biography:

Sophie is an Intensive Care Paramedic (ICP) and relieving Area Clinical Team Leader within Metropolitan Operations for SA Ambulance Service (SAAS).  Sophie is an inspiring young clinical leader within SAAS and a positive role model for other staff with a reputation for being an exceptional clinician and advocate for her peers. Sophie consistently upholds the values of SAAS by influencing team culture in a positive and meaningful way.

Sophie ensures patient focused, evidence driven care is at the forefront of every clinical case and leads in an authentic and approachable manner.

Career Highlights:

Sophie was the clinical lead at the first neurologically preserved pre-hospital Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) survival case in the state. Sophie also had the opportunity to later reunite with the patient and his family.

Sophie was also the clinical lead at a critically unwell young septic patient that required emergency front of neck access. The patient had a full recovery despite her brittle presentation and owes that, at least in part, to Sophie’s quick thinking and excellent scene leadership.

Emily Mangione

Paramedic

Time in service: 1 years

Biography:

Emily has dedicated over a decade of service to St John NT, building a career marked by clinical excellence, leadership, and a deep commitment to patient care. She began her journey as an intern paramedic in Alice Springs and progressed through on-road paramedic roles before advancing to Duty Manager positions in both Alice Springs and Darwin. Throughout her career, Emily has consistently demonstrated professionalism, sound clinical judgment, and a genuine care for those she serves and works alongside.

Emily is widely recognised for her exceptional mentorship of paramedics in the early stages of their careers. She takes a personal interest in shaping new clinicians, ensuring they are supported and confident as they join the paramedic workforce. Her passion for teaching and ability to make everyone feel welcome leaves a lasting, positive impact on many colleagues.

In addition to her mentorship, Emily has extensive experience in major events and large-scale operations, including Finke Desert Race, where she consistently exemplifies calm leadership and operational excellence. Now based in Darwin, she continues to work on road while supporting operational leadership through relief Duty Manager duties.

Emily’s dedication to mentorship, patient care, and fostering a welcoming culture make her a truly deserving recipient of this award.

Career Highlights:

Emily’s career with St John NT is defined by her impact on both patient care and the professional development of her colleagues. Over 10 years, she has built a reputation for clinical excellence, consistently delivering high-quality care across a wide range of operational environments. 

Emily’s experience spans both on-road paramedic duties and leadership roles as Duty Manager, where she provides guidance and oversight to teams, ensuring safe and effective operations. She has been instrumental in shaping the next generation of paramedics, taking a hands-on approach to mentoring clinicians, helping them develop confidence, skills, and resilience in high-pressure environments. Her passion for teaching and welcoming manner create a supportive culture, making new staff feel valued and prepared to succeed.

In addition to her mentoring, Emily has contributed significantly to large-scale events and emergency operations, including Finke Desert Race, where her calm presence and strong team focus have been vital to smooth and safe service delivery. Her ability to balance operational demands with leadership and teaching responsibilities demonstrate exceptional dedication and adaptability. 

Emily’s work strengthens both the clinical capabilities and the culture of St John NT, leaving a lasting impact on the organisation and the communities it serves.

Elyse Taylor-Jackson

Alice Springs Duty Manager

Time in service: 5 years

Biography:

Elyse has spearheaded transformational change initiatives across St John NT’s Alice Springs service, going above and beyond to promote and support cultural advancement. 

Elyse has led workshops focused on inclusivity and positive change, and the strategies she developed have been adopted across the organisation and influenced practice across the Southern Region. 

In her role as Duty Manager, Elyse approaches high-pressure situations with calmness and clarity, guiding her teams to operate effectively while prioritising staff wellbeing and patient care. Her leadership combines compassion with professionalism, creating an environment where colleagues feel supported and confident.

In addition, Elyse has worked closely with allied health teams, strengthening relationships and improving operational transparency, staff safety, and patient management.

Elyse’s dedication also extends far beyond the workplace. She has volunteered for major events, including multiple years at Finke Desert Race, and consistently supports her colleagues in everyday tasks. She even goes out of her way to make the team feel connected, hosting gatherings like Christmas meals for those who cannot be with family. 

Elyse’s commitment to cultural leadership, operational excellence, and fostering a supportive environment make her a deserving recipient of this award.

Career Highlights:

Elyse has been a driving force behind meaningful cultural change. Her leadership in workplace cultural initiatives has helped colleagues feel valued and empowered, giving them the confidence to contribute and collaborate more effectively.

Elyse has also strengthened operational practices by working closely with allied health teams, improving transparency and staff safety in patient management. Her ability to bridge operational teams and foster communication has enhanced workflow efficiency and team cohesion.

On the frontline, Elyse regularly volunteers for major events where she provides calm, effective leadership under pressure. She consistently steps into roles and tasks outside her formal responsibilities to support the team, demonstrating her flexibility, reliability, and strong commitment to service.

Through her focus on cultural improvement, operational collaboration, and leadership in challenging situations, Elyse has had a tangible, lasting impact on both her colleagues and the organisation.

Jess Jeggo

 Paramedic

Time in service: 5 Years

Biography:

An emerging leader, Jess is known for being approachable, reliable and highly respected by her peers. Colleagues feel comfortable seeking her guidance or reassurance, knowing she will respond with professionalism, integrity and sound judgement. She brings a calm, supportive presence to the workplace and is deeply committed to continual improvement, both in her own practice and within the broader service.

The impact Jess has made early in her career through her professionalism and leadership has had a positive influence on those around her. Since commencing with St John NT, she has demonstrated a level of maturity, confidence and commitment that sets her apart, earning the trust of her colleagues and leaders alike. She consistently demonstrated genuine enthusiasm and pride in her role, qualities that are clearly reflected in the way she supports and uplifts those around her.

Jess has also played an important role in supporting positive change within the organisation. Her involvement in recent cultural transformation initiatives highlights her willingness to step forward, contribute constructively and help translate ideas into meaningful, practical outcomes. 

Jess’ dedication, professionalism and positive influence make her a valued member of the St John NT team and deserving recipient of this award.

Career Highlights:

Since joining St John NT, Jess has quickly distinguished herself through her exceptional clinical skills, sound judgement, and leadership potential. She has consistently taken on challenging responsibilities, delivering high-quality care while supporting improvements in team performance and organisational practices. 

Jess’ contributions have directly strengthened the service, earning the trust and respect of colleagues and leaders alike. One of her most significant contributions has been her involvement in supporting cultural improvements within the service, playing an instrumental role in assisting with the implementation of changes, working collaboratively with others to help translate ideas into practical and meaningful actions across the Darwin region.

Jess consistently demonstrates a strong commitment to learning and improvement, not only in her own practice but also in contributing positively to the wider team environment. She brings enthusiasm and pride to her role and is known for the way she encourages and supports others, particularly during periods of change.

Jess’ record of achievement and her tangible impact on both patients and the team make her a deserving recipient of this award.

Kelsey Squire

Intensive Care Paramedic

Time in service: 5 years

Biography:

Known for her clinical excellence and efficiency, she brings calm leadership to every shift. Approaching her work with professionalism, positivity, and genuine care, she supports both patients and colleagues. Checking in on team members and fostering trust, her ability to nurture others is one of her defining strengths.

A dedicated member of St John NT for nearly five years, Kelsey has made a strong, lasting impact across both Alice Springs and Darwin. In demanding roles including Duty Manager and Intensive Care Paramedic, she has earned a reputation as a skilled and steady presence in high-pressure environments.

Her work often places her in some of the Territory’s most challenging conditions, where adaptability and resilience set her apart. Whether responding to complex emergencies or supporting major events, she confidently leads by example.

Passionate about her profession and the people she works with, Kelsey has become a highly respected role model within the ambulance service and a deserving recipient of this award.

Career Highlights:

Throughout her time with St John NT, Kelsey has built an impressive career marked by clinical excellence, leadership and service in some of the Territory’s most demanding settings. She has worked at the Finke Desert Race over several years, providing vital medical support at one of the region’s largest and most complex events, where she has been involved in the management of multiple critical patients.

Kelsey’s deep knowledge of Central Australia has played a key role in numerous complex rescues, including operations along the Larapinta Trail and other serious emergencies in remote desert locations. These experiences highlight her ability to adapt quickly, make sound decisions and lead effectively in austere and unpredictable environments.

In November 2024, Kelsey completed her Intensive Care Paramedic internship and graduated as a qualified ICP, marking a significant professional milestone. Since relocating to Darwin, she has continued to contribute significantly to the service and local community.

Alongside her operational work, Kelsey is a committed mentor and educator. She regularly supports Patient Transport Officers, interns and fellow paramedics, creating a respectful and encouraging learning environment grounded in professionalism and approachability.

Catherine Nunn

Paramedic

Time in service: 2 years

Biography:

A compassionate healthcare professional and devoted advocate for minority groups, Cathy’s remarkable ability to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds is evident in her empathetic interactions.   

Cathy is committed to creating a judgment-free environment, where dignity and respect are at the forefront of all operations. She recognises that a supportive atmosphere is essential for effective healthcare and diligently works to make this a consistent reality, ensuring that everyone feels heard and understood.   

Beyond her patient advocacy, Cathy serves as an encouraging mentor to her colleagues, fostering a culture of growth and learning. She empowers her peers by providing the tools and confidence they need to excel, creating a safe space for them to learn from their experiences without fear of judgment.   

Through her actions, Cathy inspires those around her to embrace inclusivity and compassion, significantly enhancing the quality of care provided. Her dedication and unwavering support for minority groups make her an invaluable asset to St John NT and the Katherine community.

Career Highlights:

Cathy is widely recognised for her ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and to create safe, respectful environments in high-pressure situations.

In only a short time, Cathy has made a meaningful and lasting impact on both the Katherine community and her colleagues. She consistently demonstrates professionalism, empathy, and a strong commitment to inclusive, patient-centred care. 

A significant milestone in Cathy’s professional development was completing Peer Support Officer training, equipping her to provide critical emotional and professional support to her peers. In this role, she has become a trusted and approachable presence within the team, offering guidance, encouragement, and a non-judgmental space for reflection and learning.

Cathy also plays an active role in mentoring colleagues, helping to build confidence and capability across the team. Her dedication to fostering a culture of respect, learning, and psychological safety has strengthened team cohesion and enhanced the overall quality of care delivered in the Katherine region.

Jane Jennings

Ambulance Paramedic

Time in service: 6 years

Biography:

Jane is an integral member of the University and Industry Mentor team, working across different shift colours as required to provide paramedic students with real world experiences on an operational ambulance. Student feedback regarding Jane has consistently been positive - she takes the time to explain things clearly. Jane is passionate about patient care as well as providing students with a positive experience, often foregoing rare down time to complete static skill practice and scenario disection with the students. In addition to her commitment on shift, Jane was instrumental in setting up SIMEX club, a peer-driven study group providing an opportunity for Paramedics to practise in a safe and encouraging environment. Simex club is run entirely on volunteer support

Career Highlights:

Jane is an integral member of the University and Industry Mentor team, working across different shift colours as required to provide paramedic students with real world experiences on an operational ambulance. Student feedback regarding Jane has consistently been positive - she takes the time to explain things clearly. Jane is passionate about patient care as well as providing students with a positive experience, often foregoing rare down time to complete static skill practice and scenario disection with the students. In addition to her commitment on shift, Jane was instrumental in setting up SIMEX club, a peer-driven study group providing an opportunity for Paramedics to practise in a safe and encouraging environment. Simex club is run entirely on volunteer support.

Caitlyn Pavey-Smith

Community Response Manager

Time in service: 5 years

Biography:

Caitlyn Pavey Smith is the Community Response Manager at St John WA, where she leads Australia’s largest Automated External Defibrillator (AED) network and the Community First Responder program. Since joining St John in 2020, Caitlyn has played a pivotal role in connecting community capability with frontline clinical care — helping ensure people experiencing cardiac arrest receive the fastest possible help, wherever they are in Western Australia.    Working closely with the State Control Centre and clinical leadership, Caitlyn has strengthened integration between community responders, technology and emergency operations, helping build a coordinated statewide response model that saves lives every day.    Caitlyn is also an active Emergency Medical Technician volunteer in Margaret River, responding to Triple Zero (000) calls and bringing her frontline experience to every aspect of her leadership role. Beyond operations, she has represented St John WA in advocacy, media and promotional campaigns, including highlighting the personal and mental health benefits of volunteering.    Through her professionalism, optimism and commitment to service, Caitlyn has become a respected leader and role model for both volunteers and colleagues alike. Her work embodies the St John values of leading with heart, thinking team, making it better and walking the talk — every day, across the State.

Career Highlights:

Since joining St John WA five years ago, Caitlyn Pavey Smith has helped redefine how community response is understood, managed and connected to frontline care. Rising from Client Liaison Officer to Community Response Manager, she now leads Australia’s largest Automated External Defibrillator (AED) network — a statewide system that underpins survival from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.    Since assuming leadership of the program in April 2023, more than 3,200 new AED locations have been added, representing 31 per cent of all growth in the past three years. Caitlyn has worked to strengthen the program’s alignment with clinical teams and the State Control Centre, ensuring AED data, first responder alerts and incident information are part of coordinated emergency care rather than operating in isolation.    She also oversees the Community First Responder App and its in-home pilot, which enables trained responders to attend nearby cardiac arrests, demonstrating how technology and community capacity can combine to save lives.    Alongside her leadership role, Caitlyn volunteers as an Emergency Medical Technician in Margaret River, responding to Triple Zero (000) calls and bringing her frontline and operational experience together. Through her focus, collaboration and energy, Caitlyn has positioned community response as an integral partner in St John WA’s mission to save lives across Western Australia.

Joanna Read

Accreditation Program Coordinator

Time in service: 12 years

Biography:

Jo Read is a passionate mentor who leads with heart and purpose in everything she does. What motivates Jo most is seeing others grow. She is deeply committed to supporting officers to become confident, capable clinicians while never losing sight of the human side of ambulance care.    Jo’s leadership style is grounded in honesty, calmness, and compassion. She is known for her ability to provide clear, candid feedback in a way that is empowering rather than confronting. Officers frequently describe her as someone who challenges them to be better while making them feel genuinely supported and valued.    Across the organisation, Jo is widely respected and deeply liked. She builds strong relationships with ease, and those working on road consistently speak of how enjoyable she is to work with, not only for her clinical knowledge but for her warm, welcoming presence and authentic care for others.    Outside of work, Jo is a devoted mum to her three children, Sophie, Tayla and Kane, and brings the same patience, empathy and grounded perspective from her family life into her professional role.    Looking ahead, Jo hopes to continue supporting the development of officers across St John WA by delivering meaningful, relevant training that strengthens both capability and culture.

Career Highlights:

Jo Read is a dedicated and values-driven professional who has proudly served St John WA since 2014. Beginning her career as a First Aid Trainer with First Aid Services, Jo quickly built a reputation for her commitment to education, quality, and community safety. In 2021, she expanded her frontline experience by transitioning into the role of Ambulance Transport Officer, further strengthening her understanding of patient care and non-emergency transport services.     In late 2024, Jo commenced her role as Accreditation Program Coordinator for First Aid Services and Training, where she has made an outstanding and lasting contribution to workforce capability across Western Australia. Jo independently designed and developed a nationally recognised Certificate III program in Non-Emergency Patient Transport, tailored specifically for Ambulance Transport Officers. She has personally delivered, assessed, and signed off more than 175 officers - both existing staff and new starters - by attending shifts to assess competencies in real-world environments.     The success of this program has led to its expansion into Patient and Community Transport and its rollout to volunteer officers, ensuring consistent, high-quality standards across the organisation. Jo’s leadership, initiative, and dedication to empowering others exemplify the spirit of the CAA Women in Ambulance Awards and position her as an inspiring role model within the ambulance sector.

Caleigh Faulkner

Clinical Education Manager

Time in service: 6 years

Biography:

Since joining St John WA in 2019, Caleigh Faulkner has demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovation in clinical education and paramedic development. Beginning her journey as an on-road paramedic, to clinical education trainer, she quickly progressed to paramedic training officer and now serves as Clinical Education Manager, overseeing education programs that shape the future of pre-hospital care in Western Australia.

Caleigh’s her strategic vision and collaborative approach with both internal and external stakeholders have driven significant improvements and positive cultural change within training pathways. Most notably, she played a pivotal role in the recent redesign of paramedic intern pathways, ensuring a seamless transition for current students and the successful implementation of the new Paramedic Intern model. Her ability to balance operational needs with educational excellence has positioned her as a trusted leader and advocate for professional growth within the organisation.

Through her dedication, Caleigh has not only enhanced clinical education standards but also fostered a culture of mentorship and continuous improvement, leaving a lasting impact on both colleagues and the broader ambulance community

Career Highlights:

•Progressed from Clinical Education Trainer to Paramedic Training Officer and now Clinical Education Manager.
•Leads Clinical Education Programs, ensuring operational excellence and educational quality.
•Supported the redesign of medic and intern pathways, successfully implementing the new Paramedic Intern model while supporting grandfathering arrangements for existing students.
•Advocated for and delivered collaborative solutions that align training programs with a high patient care focus.
•Recognised for fostering mentorship and professional development across clinical education teams.

Marika Austgen

Operations Lead

Time in service: 17 years

Biography:

Marika has been with St John WA for 17 years as a paramedic, she has served as an Operations Lead over the past three years, demonstrating unwavering compassion, dedication, and professionalism in every facet of her role. She is highly regarded for her commitment to supporting staff and fostering a culture where people feel valued, understood, and set up for success.

A key achievement in Marika’s leadership has been her advocacy for members of the part-time workforce, particularly those balancing frontline responsibilities with caring commitments at home. She led meaningful reforms that introduced fairer, more consistent rostering practices, ensuring these team members were treated equitably and supported to thrive. Importantly, Marika drove this work proactively and voluntarily, taking it on in addition to her regular business-as-usual responsibilities.

Her ability to identify gaps, champion positive change, and deliver practical, people-centred solutions has made a lasting impact on the organisation and the wellbeing of its employees. Marika’s dedication to service and her genuine passion for supporting others continue to set her apart as an influential and deeply respected leader.

Career Highlights:

Successfully appointed to a substantive Operations Lead position through an extremely competitive recruitment process, demonstrating her strong leadership capability, operational knowledge, and the high regard in which she is held across the organisation.

Awarded the National Medal in recognition of 15 years of diligent, ethical, and dedicated service to the community.

Led significant reforms to improve fairness and consistency for part-time frontline staff, particularly those balancing caring responsibilities. Her advocacy drove meaningful rostering improvements and strengthened organisational support for this workforce.

Took on complex workforce and operational challenges outside her BAU responsibilities, delivering people-centred solutions that enhanced both staff experience and operational effectiveness.

Recognised for her capacity to build strong relationships, navigate difficult issues constructively, and foster environments where staff feel supported and valued.

These highlights reflect Marika’s long-standing dedication, her ability to lead impactful change, and her unwavering commitment to supporting both her colleagues and the community

Normajean Gapi

Fleet Maintenance & Administration Manager - Logistics & Fleet Support

Time in service: 3 years

Biography:

Normajean joined National St John Ambulance (NStJA) in November 2022 as Fleet Maintenance and Administration Manager. An experienced auto-electrician, she leads a team of five mechanics and auto-electricians, overseeing the in-house maintenance of more than 50 ambulances and responder vehicles across the NStJA fleet. Her role is both technical and demanding, requiring strong leadership and expertise. Norma carries these responsibilities with professionalism and consistency, inspiring colleagues organisation-wide and serving as a role model in the male-dominated mechanical industry.

Career Highlights:

Normajean joined National St John Ambulance in November 2022 as Fleet Maintenance & Administration Manager. An experienced auto-electrician, she leads a team of five mechanics and auto-electricians.

From her first day in the workshop, the words “For the Service of Humanity” displayed on the wall resonated with her. Later, a colleague’s reminder, “An ambulance fixed is a life saved, further strengthened her sense of purpose. Normajean often reminds her team that every vehicle they service plays a vital role in ensuring help reaches those who need it most.

She and her team maintain more than 50 ambulances and responder vehicles across the NStJA fleet, all serviced in-house. Her day typically begins with a team briefing, followed by hands-on auto-electrical work, technical consultations with regional stations, and ongoing administrative responsibilities.

The role is demanding, but Normajean approaches it with professionalism and steady leadership. She continues to support and motivate staff across NStJA and serves as a role model for those aspiring to leadership, particularly in the male-dominated mechanical field.

In recognition of her distinguished leadership as mechanical team leader, Normajean received the Commissioner’s Commendation Award in 2025.

Miranda Rodgers

Clinical Paramedic Advisor

Time in service: 4 years

Biography:

Miranda is widely recognised as a respected and hardworking clinical paramedic advisor, and valued member of the team.  She is currently responsible for managing the preceptor training programme at Wellington Free Ambulance.  She has demonstrated herself as a font of knowledge for junior paramedics and can be frequently seen holding impromptu clinical training sessions at the station to carefully explain, support and empower emerging paramedics with the end goal of building a strong and resilient paramedicine pipeline.  An active and inspirational mentor and preceptor, Miranda takes the time to listen and carefully guide team members to aim for the highest standards of practice.  Miranda exudes a kind and warm demeanour which is appreciated by all those who work with her.  She is always willing to step up and assist where it is needed, going above and beyond to ensure excellence is consistently maintained. 

Katie Wilson

Emergency Planning Manager and Event Medic

Time in service: 6 years

Biography:

Katie has an extensive background in emergency management, business continuity, disaster recovery, information and technology risk, systems relationships, and people management. She has also been a valuable volunteer Event Medic since 2018 and now holds an Emergency Medical Technician Authority to Practice.

 
Katie leads Wellington Free Ambulance’s strategic approach to business continuity and emergency management planning to ensure continuity of critical and essential services in the face of adverse events.  Katie has improved the Coordinated Incident Management System (CIMS) framework and methodology within WFA to ensure our incident management teams enhance WFA’s resilience capabilities.
Katie is deeply passionate about increasing resilience across our teams and communities and can often be found actively contributing to emergency exercises and community events across the region.

Aksha Shankar

ICT Operations Manager

Time in service: 2 years

Biography:

As ICT Operations Manager, Aksha leads a small but highly effective ICT team of 5 staff. Aksha provides operational and strategic management and oversight across a broad range of areas and services, including a service desk, technical support and operations. security, engineering, architecture and development. The breadth of the work is significant and encompasses WFA’s corporate systems and network, and those that enable and support our frontline and business units. The environment is challenging, and the demands are
significant, particularly with a workforce and organisation that is growing and expanding rapidly.

Aksha’s considerable strengths lie in her ability to harness and utilise her significant technical expertise, people leadership skills, and in her ability to build relationships and collaborate across the organisation, with our partners, other agencies, and ICT suppliers to enhance our services and improve operational and organisational outcomes.

The importance of the work that Askha does is critical to enabling our frontline and the organisation to deliver on its mission. Aksha expertly navigates, manages, and delivers in the face of significant demands and constantly expanding and shifting priorities, which are often time-bound. Aksha operates seamlessly across core operational/BAU work, projects and strategic initiatives while remaining calm and focused.

As ICT Operations Manager, Aksha is instrumental in implementing key systems and processes that have improved the organisation’s ICT services, maturity, and the organisation’s security posture.

Career Highlights:

A key early achievement was designing and implementing a Technical Change Advisory Board to ensure ICT changes are more structured and well managed, minimising risks and impacts to the organisation. Process improvements were then introduced such as Incident Management and Privacy Impact Assessments to provide more rigour and to better prepare and protect the organisation and our patients.

Following this, Aksha worked with our partners to implement Device-as-a-Service for WFA’s laptops, desktops and mobile phones to deliver improved support, lifecycle management and financial sustainability.

More recently, Askha has provided ICT and service management expertise to WFA’s Public Safety Network project team and the programme. This enables the team to be well positioned to support the much-anticipated replacement Land Mobile Radio network which will be rolled out to all NZ emergency services agencies.

Lastly, but critically, Aksha provides invaluable support to me as the CIO at WFA. This includes acting as the 2IC in my absence and assisting with the development of our Digital and Data Roadmap that aligns with WFA’s organisation Strategy 2030.

Wendy Bartlett

Patient Transfer Officer/Relief Team Manager

Time in service: 11 years

Biography:

Wendy Bartlett is a highly respected leader within Wellington Free Ambulance (WFA)Patient Transfer Services (PTS). Appointed as a Relief Team Leader in March 2022,Wendy’s leadership impact was evident through the way she consistently brings people together, advocates for others, and drives meaningful improvement in service delivery. Wendy’s leadership is distinguished by her ability to break down cultural boundaries across WFA. She actively builds connection and psychological safety by engaging with people at all levels, making time to acknowledge staff, initiating open and respectful conversations, and constructively challenging the behaviour. This displays how Wendy strengthens collaboration, improves team cohesion, and helps create a more inclusive workplace culture where staff feel seen, heard, and valued. A strong advocate for both colleagues and patients, Wendy is trusted for her willingness to speak up when support is needed. Her calm, consistent approach enables better outcomes for staff and patients, particularly in high-pressure environments where clear communication and decision-making are essential. In her Relief Team leader role, Wendy is integral to championing change and progressing continuous improvement within PTS. She supports staff through operational challenges, contributes to refining ways of working, and helps embed positive change by modelling the behaviours expected of others. Wendy leads by example – a reliable, fair, and focused on what will make the service safer, effective, and sustainable.

Vanessa Redit

Intensive Care Paramedic

Time in service: 6 years

Biography:

Vanessa is an Intensive Care Paramedic with eight years of service at Wellington Free Ambulance. She began her career as an event medic. In 2018 she became a graduate paramedic, from there she gained her paramedic qualification and in 2025 she qualified as an Intensive Care Paramedic. Additionally, she is a preceptor, assessor and recently she has joined the Rescue Squad. Throughout her career she has developed into a highly skilled clinician and a trusted mentor. She has demonstrated countless times that she is a calm leader who is highly committed to developing others through education and clinical coaching. 

Career Highlights:

Vanessa often leads complex medical and trauma cases where she uses her advanced assessment skills and provides timely treatment while creating a positive environment for her team. 

Vanessa is a standout performer in her roles and is known for always providing excellent patient care. A specific example of the complex patients she manages occurred whilst mentoring a colleague. She attended a status one patient who was in a junctional tachycardia followed by long periods of sinus pause. The patient was critically unwell, and urgent action was needed to try to stabilise him. After the job Vanessa’s colleagues remarked on how well she led, making complex clinical decisions all while encouraging and supporting other crews on scene and showing empathy and reassurance to her patient. With her treatment and care she improved the patient’s condition and made him more stable and comfortable for transport. 

Another example is how she supports new staff, graduate paramedics and supervised paramedics prior to their paramedic assessment. She is commonly requested to work with because of the guidance and supportive environment she provides. During her mentoring she leads whiteboard sessions that include learning how to conduct thorough patient assessments, practising and building confidence in specific skills, anatomy and physiology as well as pathophysiology sessions. Additionally, she runs scenarios to allow her colleagues to build their knowledge and skills in a safe environment. On scene she allows her colleagues to make decisions and grow as individuals while providing support and guidance when required. This contributes to a culture of clinical excellence at WFA.