Ambulance Victoria (AV) has welcomed a new group of 30 graduate paramedics who are set to begin their careers in the 2025/26 financial year. Before taking to the roads, these recruits are honing their driving skills to ensure safety during emergency responses.
Matthew Cannon, AV Director of Operational Capability, expressed his enthusiasm for the new recruits, highlighting the profound impact paramedics have on people’s lives. “Working as a paramedic is an extraordinarily unique experience,” he stated. “Very few jobs will have such a profound and deep impact on peoples’ lives.”
AV is recognized for its commitment to patient care, boasting the nation’s best cardiac arrest survival rates. Currently, the organization employs over 5,500 on-road paramedics dedicated to providing life-saving care across Victoria.
Training and Induction Program
The latest cohort of graduate paramedics began their training on August 18, 2025, and will officially hit the road on September 15, 2025. All new graduates undergo a comprehensive four-week induction program designed to equip them with essential skills before working alongside experienced paramedics.
During this induction, recruits learn critical procedures such as safely moving and loading patients, as well as the intricacies of operating an ambulance. For many, this will be their first experience driving such a large vehicle, a significant transition from their previous smaller cars.
“At AV, we have a team of expert driver trainers that teach our graduates how to safely operate and drive an ambulance, whether in small city streets or out on the open road in the country,” Cannon explained. Training includes high-level maneuvering techniques, parking in hospital bays, and navigating confined spaces.
The program also covers crucial driving skills such as hazard perception, smooth driving techniques, and managing traffic delays effectively. Cannon emphasized that these skills are vital for maintaining safety while delivering emergency care.
Commitment to Excellence in Paramedic Education
Victoria has long been a leader in paramedic education, with the first ambulance officers training course established in 1961. Cannon remarked on the caliber of training provided by AV, stating, “Ambulance Victoria has some of the most highly trained and skilled paramedics in the world.”
As these new graduates embark on their careers, they will continue to receive training and development throughout their time at AV to ensure they provide the most up-to-date care to patients. Cannon expressed his wishes for their success, stating, “I truly wish them all the best for long and rewarding careers at Ambulance Victoria.”
The recruitment process at AV is highly competitive, attracting talented applicants from across Victoria and beyond, all eager to contribute to the organization’s mission of delivering exceptional emergency care.
