International Paramedics Day - Rebecca's Story

Rebecca’s story is the perfect example of a covid career pivot. From working cabin crew for QantasLink to a completely different service industry role, as a Non-Emergency Patient Transport (NEPT) officer. NEPT is an essential service as part of ACTAS, Patient Transport Officers provide non-emergency patient transport to and from healthcare facilities, clinics and private residences.  

 

Rebecca says she is loving the job as it shares a lot of similarities compared to her previous role at QantasLink. 

 

“So the job is to get your passengers or in this case patients from A to B safely – it’s still my job. I just don't offer tea or coffee. However, we have been offered tea and coffee when we get to people's houses!” 

 

The NEPT service is incredibly popular in the Canberra community and Rebecca says the best part of the job is you really feel like you’re an integral part of a patient’s week. 

 

“We do have regular patients who are our dialysis patients. We pick them up three times a week and take them back, so we get to know them. We get to know their families, their pets, what they like and don't like - all about their lives. So they're our regulars, and they love us!” 

 

“It makes my day for them to appreciate us and we're there when they're vulnerable, they're unsure and their lives are changing. So just to be there when they need us, it's pretty special.” 

 

Rebecca has had many different roles serving the community including driving Canberra buses, she says if you are a people person you are the ideal candidate for NEPT. 

 

“Prior to being in the air I also had experience being a bus driver in Canberra. So when I applied I had the customer service experience, the driving experience and I've also done childcare. I have looked after people in all stages and ages.”  

 

Rebecca’s NEPT team are a tight group who support each other, especially the new team members. Most days are spent on the road with meal breaks in between, but they always make time to catch up back at base. 

 

“I think there's about 20 or so of us here so we get to know each other really well. The team is really close knit and we've got each other's back and it doesn't matter who you work with. Everybody's different, but that's what keeps it interesting.” 

 

There are always options for further training and career progression for ACTAS staff, including NEPT. Rebecca says despite the options available to move into being a paramedic in the ambulance service, she’s very satisfied with her current role.  

 

“I'm happy with what I do here as it's very rewarding and satisfying and I am well aware of how important our group are to ACTAS. To tell the truth, the hospital are very happy to see us. We come in with an empty stretcher and clear the beds. So our jobs are important to keeping the whole system running smoothly.” 

 

Rebecca Parker and the NEPT team are being recognised for their dedicated service and passion for serving the community this International Paramedics Day along with ACTAS Paramedics and ComCen operators.  

 

Thank you for everything you do.