Paramedics reflect on their Defence Force service on Anzac Day
April 25, 2024in News
FORMER ARMY MEDIC KELSEY NOONAN
Paramedic and former Army Medic Kelsey Noonan.
Anzac Day holds a special meaning for Paramedic Kelsey Noonan who served with the Australian Army as a Medic for nine years.
“Anzac Day, to me, is about remembering the people before us and the sacrifices they made to allow us to live in this beautiful and peaceful country,” Kelsey said.
Kelsey was deployed four times during her service both in peacetime and wartime operations.
“One of my most memorable deployments was an aid mission to Papua New Guinea where I was the Medic attached to a crew clearing World War II minefields.”
“It was a unique experience to work with the Papua New Guineans and helping make their home safer.”
Kelsey was also deployed to Afghanistan as a Medic during the War in Afghanistan.
“It was confronting but it was important work being there in the role of a medic.”
“I felt like I was able to help the people as best I could with the limited resources we had over there. They were so grateful for anything we could do to help them.”
RIFLEMAN JOSH PINEDA
Paramedic and Army Reserve Rifleman Josh Pineda.
Paramedic Josh Pineda has been a Rifleman with the Australian Army Reserves for eight years. He also specialises in combat medicine and radio communications.
Josh has been involved in various operations including the 2019-20 Australian bushfires where the Defence Force assisted in the evacuation of people in Mallacoota as well as helping rescue wildlife that had been injured in the bushfires.
Reflecting on his roles both as an AV paramedic and a rifleman, Josh notes there are similarities.
“While I may specialise as a combat medic in the infantry, I usually am the first responder for any casualties that occur which is very much like being the first person on scene in an emergency in the streets of Melbourne,” Josh said.
“I believe that my time in the military has definitely helped me in communicating effectively and guided my way of best clinical practice as a paramedic.”
Josh said he enjoys being a reservist because of the chance to do something different, be challenged, and to represent his country.
“I also get to work with very like-minded individuals who I consider my closest friends, the comradery in the Australian Army is almost indescribable,” Josh said.
As a reservist, Anzac Day holds a special meaning for Josh.
“Anzac Day is a time of commemoration and remembering those that sacrificed in order for us to live the lives we currently have,” Josh said.
“It’s a time of both commemoration and celebration of every member of Defence.”
FORMER ARMY MEDIC MELANIE KRUSE
Paramedic and former Army Reserve Medic Melanie Kruse.
Paramedic Melanie is a former Medic with the Army Reserves and was inspired to join as her family also served in the Australian Army.
“My Pop inspired me. I wanted to live a life that wasn’t just for me; I wanted to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others and contribute to the greater good of the country,” Melanie said.
During Melanie’s service, she was involved in numerous operations including Operation Bushfire Assist where she helped those affected by the 2019-20 Australian bushfires.
Melanie also participated in several training exercises, including Talisman Sabre and Jacka Walk and Jacka Run.
Having family who served, Anzac Day is a day of commemoration and remembrance for Melanie.
“On a personal level, Anzac Day is day of remembrance, to honour the service of both my Pop and great grandfather who both served in the Australian Army,” she said.
“It’s also a day to remember all of those who served and died in all conflicts, wars, and peacekeeping operations.”
“It is a day to pay our respects to all current and ex serving defence members for the sacrifices they have made for their country.”
– Lest we Forget