Seeking to develop more clinical skills in his area of care and compassion, chaplain Sam who was also a resident pastor at a Kogarah church, undertook three years of full-time university study to acquire the paramedic qualifications and is very pleased he made the switch.
“As a chaplain, you see the worst of the worst and have to engage with families going through emotional times, all the while keeping your own emotions in check,” he said.
“As a paramedic, you are still providing care and support but the outcomes are much more positive.
“For example, I helped care for a baby delivered early at home before transporting the child to hospital and it’s wonderful now to know both mum and bub are both doing well.”
Sam said becoming a paramedic was definitely a career switch he would recommend to others.
“It can be challenging but it’s an extremely rewarding job, with no two days the same, and always the opportunity to provide some practical care and support to the community,” he said.
More info: ambulance.nsw.gov.au/careers/paramedic.
Inspiring ambo chaplain graduates as paramedic
WHAT is known in the health industry as a ‘double hatter’, Campsie-based Sam Mak had been chaplain for six years, providing support and comfort to paramedics and now he’s changed his epaulettes and become a paramedic himself.