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.