My goal in writing ‘A life on the line’ is to share with the reader some of the more memorable experiences of my ambulance career that has spanned over 30 years, and to provide some insight into the paramedic profession.

Experiences that include:- being caught up the Bali bombing whilst trying to get married, the Black Saturday fires that ravaged Victoria and the heart-warming life and death struggle of William, a 3-year-old boy critically injured in a quad bike accident, to name a few.

 My ultimate goal for the reader is to laugh, cry and despair at some of the short stories. I want the reader to be inspired, frustrated, angered and warmed by this wart’s and all account, that is at times confronting.

 His career in Ambulance Victoria has been rich with opportunities. Only a few years had passed after qualifying as a paramedic he was offered the opportunity to undertake intensive care training, known as MICA. He found the role at times challenging, but highly rewarding.

 Tenures at the different ambulance college’s unearthed a love of teaching that continues today and has spanned more than 25 years. Assisting paramedics to master their craft has been one of his most satisfying achievements.

 After 15 years as a paramedic he achieved his ultimate career goal after joining Air Ambulance working on both fixed and rotary wing aircraft. He describes the role as extreme, attending the sickest and most seriously injured patients. A role that has seen him in the waters of Bass Straight, the deep Victorian bush and on top of the highest snow covered mountains, all to help a person in need.

 He regards his experiences working with highly talented paramedics, pilots and crewman at Air Ambulance as a career highlight,

“To work in a team of people committed to helping a patient in crisis is a privilege. To know that your team has played a small part in saving a life, there can be no greater reward”.