Lifeguarding inspires new graduate paramedic

March 14, 2025 | in Community News

One of Barwon South West’s newest graduate paramedics said it made perfect sense to start her Ambulance Victoria (AV) career in a region with so much coastline, given it was her experience as a lifeguard that led her to paramedicine.

Chelsea Coulson is currently working in Geelong, where she began AV’s Graduate Bridging Paramedic (GBP) program late last year.

It’s a 16-month program which sees GBPs spend six months working and completing learning tasks under direct supervision on a Medium Acuity Transport Service (MATS) vehicle, before transitioning to work on an emergency vehicle.

A brown-haired woman in paramedic uniform smiles for the camera.

Chelsea Coulson.

Later this year, Chelsea will move to Warrnambool for the second phase of the program.

Reflecting on her path to AV, Chelsea said she was inspired to pursue a career as a first responder after becoming involved with her local lifesaving club in Williamstown.

“Volunteering there was my first exposure to first aid and community engagement,” she said.

“This quickly sparked my interest, so I continued to gain experience by working as a lifeguard at both local recreation centres and beaches.

“My experience from a young age in this area really reinforced my passion to become a paramedic because I’ve always wanted a career that has a positive impact on the community, and as a paramedic you assist people in their greatest moments of need.”

During her paramedicine studies, Chelsea had her first taste of working at AV, recruited as a student paramedic surge responder through the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It was a really challenging time, so I’m grateful to have been able to support AV and the healthcare system,” she said.

Now into her graduate position at AV, Chelsea said she’s loving every moment.

“Geelong is such a great area and I’m very fortunate to begin my career here,” she said.

A group of 20 paramedics smile for the camera. They are standing in rows on a set of wide stairs.

Chelsea (middle row, fourth from left) with AV’s newest Graduate Bridging Paramedics.

“I’ve really enjoyed my first few months on road and feel like I’ve settled in quite well.

“A real highlight for me has been meeting all the other fantastic paramedics in the region.

“Everyone has been really supportive, and it’s been great having the opportunity to learn from them and pick up some tips and tricks.”

Chelsea said she’s also had plenty of support outside of AV, to get to where she is.

“I’d really like to thank my friends and family for supporting me in my journey to become a paramedic,” she said.

“Their steadfast positive support allowed me to continue to chase my goals and I couldn’t have done it without them.”