‘That’s why I do this job’: Cohuna Ambulance team member on small act of kindness

By Emily Donohoe

Jul 16, 2024

Cohuna Ambulance community officer Maddy Anderson walks out with a child to a waiting ambulance. Photo: Supplied

Ambulance Victoria has recognised a tender moment between a new ambulance community officer from Cohuna and a young child.

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During her fourth shift in the role, Maddy Anderson was photographed walking hand-in-hand with a child towards a waiting ambulance.

“When we arrived at the scene, I introduced myself but didn’t have much interaction with the child,” she said.

“But then we were heading out to the ambulance, and he walked past me and put his hand out and went, ‘come on Maddy, so we walked out holding hands and I helped him into the ambulance.

“It blew me away because it was so unexpected, yet just a natural instinct, and was also special because I’m still new and learning the ropes.”

Ms Anderson is currently studying paramedicine and simultaneously working as an ambulance community officer in Cohuna while completing her degree.

For Ms Anderson, it reinforced her passion for the career path she has chosen.

“It was really beautiful because from what I’ve seen, the majority of the job is about that personal connection with your patients,” she said.

“I want to be that person that makes a difference and brightens someone's day – that’s why I do this job and am studying to be a paramedic.”

Ambulance community officers serve as first responders on a casual basis for Ambulance Victoria, offering advanced first aid.

They work on-call in rural and remote communities where ambulance caseloads are low.

Ms Anderson, who is from Melbourne, enjoys the rural lifestyle she leads in Cohuna.

“I have family living in a town between Echuca and Cohuna, and I’ve always been obsessed with farming and drawn to the country lifestyle,” she said.

“I’m loving working in the country so far – everyone has been so lovely and there’s that real sense of community.

“During my first block of shifts, my team manager, Libby, took me down to Cohuna Hospital to introduce me to everyone because they all know each other.

“I also love that because you’re a bit further away from hospitals and health facilities, you get a bit more time with the patients and to use your skills.”

Cohuna Ambulance team manager Libby Fox said the photo was a reminder of the support paramedics show to their patients in more ways than just medical attention.

“It made me realise, that sometimes our work is just about the kindness we can give,” said.

“It’s about walking beside our patients every day.”