Sam's paramedic dream moves a step closer to a reality

Mr Hocking has been selected on an eligibility shortlist to join NSW Ambulance as a paramedic.

His pending acceptance is the culmination of a unique journey spanning nearly seven years, one which he claims has helped him get the life skills needed to forge a long and successful career as a paramedic.

"I started my Bachelor of Paramedicine degree in 2014 but after one-and-a-half years I realised that I didn't have any real work experience or the life skills needed to be a good paramedic," Mr Hocking said.

"So I took a break from my studies, worked in disability services and it was there that I got my qualifications to deliver first aid training.

"I resumed studying my degree in 2019 and then started delivering first aid training for VERTO in Bathurst and the Central West soon after."

It was a job Mr Hocking quickly grew to love.

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"Delivering first aid training for VERTO has been my favourite ever job," he said.

"I like people and I like helping people, and seeing course participants grow in confidence so they have the skills to help their family and friends is very rewarding.

"Teaching first aid has helped me develop really strong communication skills.

"Being able to understand the needs of patients and being able to talk to people in a way they understand while being respectful is crucial to being a paramedic. These aren't skills you can learn in the classroom at university."

Mr Hocking has helped hundreds of people gain nationally accredited first aid qualifications in Bathurst and the Central West since 2019.

He is highly regarded among his peers and colleagues, and often receives compliments from course participants.

"I had my First Aid Training presented by Sam Hocking and I was very impressed with his presentation. He was very respectful and knowledgeable," course graduate and participant, Seru Zanco, said.

"I have done a lot of this training and have never come across a presenter like him. VERTO is doing the community a favour by having Sam deliver their First Aid training,"

Australian Government statistics reveal that the number of Ambulance Officers and Paramedics grew strongly from 12,400 in 2014 to 19,700 in 2019.

It predicts by 2024, nearly 23,000 Ambulance Officers and Paramedics will be employed in Australia.

"Sam is a highly skilled and knowledgeable trainer who is 100 per cent committed to helping others," VERTO CEO Ron Maxwell said.

"VERTO is extremely proud of Sam and all our trainers and assessors who work tirelessly every day to provide their students with expert knowledge, ongoing support, and life-changing opportunities."

To find out about trainer opportunities available through VERTO, visit www.verto.org.au or phone 1300 483 786.