MICA paramedic recognised for stellar career
February 4, 2025in News
After 25 years of saving lives, 15 of them from the sky, Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance (MICA) flight paramedic Matthew Shepherd continues to soar in his career, driven by an unwavering dedication to helping others.
Matt was recognised for his time with Ambulance Victoria (AV) at the recent Metropolitan Staff Service Awards and said the decades have flown by.
“It’s nice to receive the service award and it’s good recognition that you have committed to the role and the organisation for so long,” he said.
“It’s also an honour to be recognised for 20 years of MICA as it’s high-level ambulance training that shows you have a wealth of knowledge.
“It needs to be mentioned that I am only one cog in a very big chain and I owe a lot of my growth and development to my mentors, managers, fellow clinicians and family for helping me achieve all that I have.”
After making the switch from emergency nursing to paramedicine, Matt’s never looked back.
Matthew Shepherd with HEMS
From the very start, he knew he wanted to become a MICA paramedic and that his end goal was to work on the helicopter.
It didn’t take long for that dream to become a reality.
“After four years working on road, I applied to the MICA program and got in on my first try. I was then lucky enough to become a flight paramedic after five years of being a MICA,” Matt said.
“When you set a goal, it’s important to do everything you can to achieve it, such as finding mentors, seeking further education, going to conferences and seminars.
“You’ve got to work hard to get where you want to be.”
Throughout the years, there have been many highlights for Matt, but none quite as memorable as being on the AV helicopter that delivered the first pre-hospital blood to a patient.
“I remember that case well. The patient had significant injuries from a car crash and was really unwell,” he said.
“She received the first blood products from a paramedic in Victoria and responded well, surviving multiple injuries.
“I was able to reunite with her again after she had recovered, which was lovely and something that will always stay with me.”
Matthew Shepherd had his AV career recognised at the recent Metropolitan Staff Service Awards.
Despite spending the last 15 years as a MICA flight paramedic, the novelty still hasn’t worn off for Matt.
“When you get in the helicopter and know you can go anywhere in the state, it’s one of the best feelings,” he said.
“I also love the training because it makes you stay on top of your clinical game and physical fitness.
“The position itself also holds a large amount of respect from fellow medical and allied health professionals, as well as members of the community, and that’s a good feeling to have.”
Looking ahead, Matt’s got his sights set on one main goal – working a shift with his son who has recently graduated from his paramedicine degree.