Paramedics dealing with "the often confronting and distressing trauma" of their work have a new specialist to support them through tough times.
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NSW Ambulance chaplain Misty Carter has reported for duty at the Dubbo station.
Her first time in the role, she is one of 45 NSW Ambulance chaplains whose work can see them called out in the field, including to accident scenes.
The Dubbo resident of 10 years considers it an honour to support those involved in emergency care.
At one time interested in becoming a paramedic herself, Mrs Carter's life took a different path.
But in performing a pastoral care role in her church for the past couple years, she found her vocation.
Mrs Carter started a certificate IV in chaplaincy and pastoral care. Donning her navy uniform, she took up the role last week.
"It was never something I envisioned that I would ever do in my life, but I guess it was being obedient to the call that God had placed on my heart to be a support to people," Mrs Carter said.
Building up relationships is a priority.
It is an honour to be able to be there for them...
- NSW Ambulance chaplain Misty Carter
She is full of admiration for paramedics whose work is "mentally exhausting, physically exhausting".
"To have someone there as an emotional support when times get tough, and they need to reach out, I think it's important to have someone available for that, and not just anybody, someone who has invested time in knowing them and having a relationship," Mrs Carter said.
"...What they do is really tough.
"It is an honour to be able to be there for them when they need help.
"They're always helping other people.
"If they need help I'd like to be that person to be able to help them and support them on their journey."
NSW Ambulance western NSW zone manager Superintendent Stewart Clarke welcomed the new chaplain.
"NSW Ambulance is committed to ensuring our operational paramedics are given the necessary support services to deal with the often confronting and distressing trauma that is involved in providing emergency care," he said.
"Our paramedics are there for the community when they need it, 24 hours a day, seven days a week so it is important we are there for them when they need it.
"The chaplain program is something we are very proud of and from a management point of view it's important to know your staff are being supported whenever and wherever they need it."
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Faye Wheeler
I have been a journalist for more than a decade and in that time I have been keeping Daily Liberal readers up to date about issues affecting them and what's happening in their community. Throughout my career I have covered a range of rounds and most recently I have been focusing on the business round.
I have been a journalist for more than a decade and in that time I have been keeping Daily Liberal readers up to date about issues affecting them and what's happening in their community. Throughout my career I have covered a range of rounds and most recently I have been focusing on the business round.
