The calm among the crisis

Paramedicine student Sarah Maclure’s hands-on training helped prepare her to save lives when she least expected it.

“When the attack on Bourke Street happened, I was working in a café near the scene when we were told to evacuate.

But I knew I was in a unique position to help – although not yet qualified as a paramedic, I had a higher level of medical training than many other people at the scene. With every injured person there were incredible bystanders helping – they were all so strong and brave that day.

My scenario-based learning allowed me to find a certain level of calm and a treatment approach among the chaos and I was able to assist the police officers treating the injured. For some, it was about offering advice, for others it was assisting with CPR and defibrillators.

I left my home of Albury/Wodonga to study paramedicine at Victoria University due to its incredible reputation. They prepare you from the first year through real-life scenarios with clinical practices, self-directed learning labs and work placements with Ambulance Victoria.

Paramedicine can be challenging at times both physically and mentally, but VU has outstanding counselling services for those times of need.

The incident has impacted me greatly, but also strengthened my resolve that I chose the right path.

There is no feeling like helping patients in their time of need.”

Want to become a paramedic? Find out more

Bachelor of Paramedicine