Gladstone's Janelle gets to work on ambulances in New York
Published on 10 September, 2012
CQUniversity Paramedic Science student Janelle Norton returned recently from the ultimate study tour, a chance to work on the New York City ambulances in Manhattan. Here's her story ...
"I was lucky to be able to ride along with the Rescue HAZTAC (Hazardous and Tactical Response) team. This was a very valuable experience for me.
Janelle Norton with NYC paramedics
"Working with paramedics in the biggest city in the world opened my eyes to the career aspects and demands placed on a paramedic on a daily basis. Being encouraged by other paramedics was a reassurance that I am choosing a great career.
"Being able to make a difference to someone's life in another country and being able to share about what is like in Australia compared with the USA was gratifying and rewarding."
Janelle says that visiting Ground Zero was probably one of the most memorable yet sombre experiences of her life so far.
"Hearing stories from the paramedics I worked with about what happened that day, and being able to stand where they were in the city and look at it from their perspective was certainly memorable.
"I have always had my heart set on being a paramedic, but being in New York and being able to experience working in one the busiest places in the world, encouraged me even more that being a paramedic is definitely the right career choice for me."
Janelle says other trip highlights included sightseeing "at places like Niagra Falls, Canada, going to a Yankees baseball game at Yankee Stadium in New York, visiting the New York EMS (Emergency Medical Service) academy, New York Fire Department, the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Coney Island, Ground Zero, Times Square and Central Park".
"The New York Paramedic Study Tour was a very exciting and valuable experience for me, I am truly grateful to CQUni for allowing me the experience of a life-time.
"I experienced things that the normal everyday person on the street will never get to see in the biggest city in the world. New Yorkers are very interesting people to say the very least. There was never a dull moment in the city that just doesn't stop.
"Back in Gladstone, I am now doing my on-road practical component of my degree at the Gladstone Ambulance Station.
"I am a young local Gladstone girl, I am committed to becoming a paramedic and will be very proud to serve my town and local community in the emergency service when I complete my degree."