My DH is a paramedic and he loves it (despite the fairly crappy pay and dodgy shifts). He did all his training on the job as a student paramedic with QAS rather than going to uni (kinda like an apprenticeship - much better for us as you get paid to do it and DH doesn't cope well with the stress of uni, plus you're guaranteed a job). DH qualified as an advanced care paramedic at the start of this year. Sorry I can't help you much with your specific questions as it would be different in NSW to Qld but if you have any other general questions we'd be happy to help.
Oh, another suggestion - in Qld some QAS stations will allow you to do a ride along with a crew for a shift to see what happens and if it would be the right fit for you. It might be worthwhile approaching the OIC of your local station to see if this is possible in NSW.
Another ED RN Paramedic training has changed so they are ALL known as paramedics now. There used to be different levels that could do different skills. They are trying to take away some tiers and train staff up. There are the *real* paramedics (sorry - no offence meant to the other ambos, just there IS a very big difference in skill levels even if they are named similar) and then the other ambos who have a variety of skills. As with all professions, there are exceptional one and some not so. It is just more difficult to tell who has been trained to do what now.
How long you are with a partner for - during training I think it rotates but with the changes I am no longer sure. They used to spend 3-6 months with the one person before going to someone else, and sometimes a different station.
Part time is possible - some of my friends do it. However, the night shift thing ..... I think if you are working on the road you will continue to do a rotating roster. They work from 8am to 6pm (day) and 6pm to 8am (night). Usually 2 days, 2 nights then 4 off (roughly). There is, however, no guarantee you will ever get off on time. If you are stuck in ED or at a job you need to wait to be relieved which can take time and be low priority. If you work in admin / headquarters you are generally on day shifts.
Hope that help - even if I am not a paramedic either
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Paramedic training has changed so they are ALL known as paramedics now. There used to be different levels that could do different skills. They are trying to take away some tiers and train staff up. There are the *real* paramedics (sorry - no offence meant to the other ambos, just there IS a very big difference in skill levels even if they are named similar) and then the other ambos who have a variety of skills. As with all professions, there are exceptional one and some not so. It is just more difficult to tell who has been trained to do what now.
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