The popular program with Bathurst’s SES unit attracted 80 volunteers from Denison College’s Kelso High campus, but just 24 were chosen to take part.

“I’ve always wanted to be a paramedic so I thought this would be a great experience,” Jayde said.

During the week-long cadetship, students met with a range of emergency service personnel including SES volunteers, paramedics and firefighters.

They also had the opportunity to cut up cars in a rescue simulation, learn about flood rescues and hear first-hand about the types of calls paramedics receive.

“It’s been really fun,” Jayde said of the training so far.

She said the rescue training, which gave cadets the opportunity to use specialised rescue equipment to cut a victim from a car following an accident, was particularly interesting.

“We learnt how to get them [victims] out and keep them calm,” Jayde said.

“It’s a bit of an eye-opener just seeing how wrong things can get [in an accident].”

Bathurst SES unit controller Jessie Davidson said the cadetship was a great opportunity for students to learn about their wider community.

Deputy controller David Chemello said cadets will also learn a range of life skills including team building, problem solving and risk assessment.

Mr Chemello said it was a benefit to have crews from Bathurst’s Fire and Rescue NSW and the Ambulance Service of NSW in attendance during training.

“We all work together in the emergency services, but different services take on different roles,” he said.

“It give them an idea of what the services offer and how we work together.

“We’re one big family and we’re all there working together.”

Mr Chemello said the car crash and rescue situation was a benefit for the young cadets.

“It’s an awareness, especially for these guys that are just getting their licences and learning to drive,” he said.

The minimum age for people to join the SES as a volunteer is 16 years old, and Mr Chemello said the Bathurst unit always receives a boost in numbers following its cadet course.