QAS's first IPP and CALD uni grads

In November, Queensland Ambulance Service celebrated its first university graduates from the Indigenous Paramedic Program (IPP) and the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Paramedic Program, which enable students to complete their full Bachelor of Paramedic Science degree.

Both program models support several academic milestones allowing cadets to choose their own path to provide healthcare to community.

QAS Cultural Safety Unit’s Executive Manager Patricia Murray said the IPP began in 2012 to provide education and employment opportunities to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, while building trust and safety with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

“The CALD Paramedic Program was created in 2016 and shares the same ethos and education framework as the IPP, but focuses on empowering peoples from other culturally diverse communities,” Trish said.

Both programs were updated in 2018, in partnership with Central Queensland University, to maintain training currency and to include the mandated requirements to complete a Bachelor of Paramedic Science.

“When the IPP began in 2012, six cadets were stationed across three communities in Far North Queensland and Thursday Island,” Trish said.

“Now our program supports 45 cadets across 29 Queensland communities and we’re still growing,” Trish said.

“Before university degrees were mandatory, eight cadets graduated as paramedics through the IPP and all now proudly represent the QAS, some now in leadership roles and supervisory positions, building capacity in their communities and leaving a legacy for the next generation.”

IPP cadet Jessee Day, and CALD cadet Tareta Siakisini (known to his friends and colleagues as T.J) are QAS’s first to graduate with their Bachelor of Paramedic Science qualification.

Deputy Commissioner Dee Taylor-Dutton presented them with their red paramedic epaulettes and caduceus and said this was a proud moment for QAS.

“To see the Indigenous Paramedic Program and the CALD Paramedic Program continue to succeed is tremendous,” Dee said.

“These officers are already fabulous role models in their communities, and they are inspiring future generations from our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and Samoan community.

“These two Programs are helping the QAS provide culturally appropriate and responsive services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and Samoan people in our communities, which is pivotal towards closing the gap in health outcomes.”

Jessee started with the QAS in 2016 working in patient transport in Rockhampton and was devoted to becoming a paramedic.

He joined the Indigenous Paramedic Program at South Brisbane Station in 2018.

Trish said right from the start, Jessee worked hard to fulfil his dream.

“His peers tell us what an exceptional clinician he’s become and a valued member of the South Brisbane team,” Trish said.

Jessee has also completed a Certificate III in Non-emergency Patient Transport and a Diploma in Paramedical Science.

T.J started in 2016 with the QAS and was one of our first two cadets to join the CALD Paramedic Program.

“T.J’s station is in the heart of his own community at Woodridge, and throughout his time in the Program he has been a humble, willing, and keen cadet, always going above and beyond,” Trish said.

“When T.J was asked how he feels to be a part of the Program, he responded ‘I feel blessed – Samoan people often become labourers and factory workers and sometimes it is hard to access education and other opportunities, but this Program has given me an opportunity’.

“T.J is a true leader, supporting and motivating others with their learning journey, telling them to pull their socks up when the need arises and bringing good moral and comradery to the team.

“T.J also features in our latest series of Ambulance Australia and we are proud to show the nation his exceptional level of clinical care and compassionate nature.”

T.J has also completed a Certificate IV in Healthcare and a Diploma in Paramedical Science.

At the same ceremony, Dunwich’s Honorary Ambulance Officer Anthony Galea was presented with his Ambulance Technician epaulettes as part of his training in the IPP.

“Anthony started his career with QAS as an Honorary Ambulance Officer in 1996 in his hometown of Dunwich, Minjerribah – Stradbroke Island,” Trish said.

“Since then, he’s worked in several locations across the Metro South district in both the acute and non-emergency side of the organisation.”

Trish said Anthony joined the IPP earlier this year and he is now stationed full time at Dunwich.

“Anthony’s dedication to ambulance services has confronted him with challenging decisions, such as relocating from his home country, family, and community to be able to work full time for the QAS,” she said.

Anthony is also a community Elder and a member of the QAS Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leadership Committee.

Through his lived experiences, he is helping to guide the QAS in pivotal decisions to improve services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.

Anthony recently obtained his Certificate IV in Healthcare and a Diploma of Paramedical Science.

from left to right Jessee and his family with Aboriginal Elder Uncle Norm.

T.J (middle) and Jessee (right) our first CALD and IPP Bachelor of Paramedicine graduates with Ambulance Technician Anthony

Anthony with his partner Narelle and colleague Jess.

T.J and his family with QAS Chaplain Clark Magele.

The trio with Deputy Commissioner Dee Taylor-Dutton ASM with Acting Deputy Commissioner Stephen Zsombok.

The graduation was a full family celebration.