From a list of 50 professions, the Australian Reader’s Digest ‘Most Trusted Professions’ survey placed paramedics in the top spot. 

Closely behind them were firefighters, rescue volunteers and nurses, while door-to-door salespeople, polit- icians and insurance salespeople made up the bottom three professions.

The rankings were determined by a cross-section of more than 1200 Australians who were surveyed about the professions in which they placed the most faith. 

CSU paramedic lecturer Lyle Brewster said it was excellent that paramedics had taken out the most trusted title for yet another year.

“It’s reassuring and comforting and reflects the awesome efforts of staff and their behaviour,” he said. 

He noted paramedics were highly dedicated to the job and many made it a life-long career.

He said paramedics had a high level of education, good internal training and kept their skills up-to- date with continuing professional development practices.

“Paramedics are often passionate and caring,” he said.

“The health care they provide is of a very high level and the behaviour of staff is really professional.”

He said that the public usually came into contact with paramedics in an emergency situation and know that they could rely on them. 

“We are dealing with the biggest crisis people face on any given day, paramedics realise that it is not the time for someone to say thanks. 

“This (recognition) kind of gives us that community gratitude, which is awesome.”

First year paramedic student Jake Mayhew said he was looking forward to being able to work in Australia’s most trusted profession.

“I am looking forward to putting all the skills I will be learning into practice to help people,” he said.

He said he believed the most trusted title was given to paramedics because of their drive to help people.

“I think it goes back to the fact that paramedics tend to people when they are at their most vulnerable level, they are always helping someone else.”