This episode of the Changing Lives podcast is Part one of our two part interview with married couple and emergency services power duo, Luke & Sybilla Ingwersen.

For 24 years now, Luke has served as a professional lifeguard for the city of Gold Coast, and Sybilla a Fire Fighter of 6 years. Luke found his home on the sunny beaches of Gold Coast after lifeguarding in the USA, UK & Japan. The satisfaction he gained from doing a job he loved inspired Sybilla to pursue a career as a Firey with the Queensland Fire Emergency Service. 

"She was working in the bank, and she saw, every day, how I loved getting out and going to work and doing my job. And she loved aspects of the bank, but then dealing with money and customers, sometimes, would be a strain and, What can you do that you're going to love as much as I do?" Luke says.

They both share a love for their respective jobs, as well as a self-confessed obsession with all things fitness, swimming, the ocean and water sports in general. In fact, they are both record breakers in the pool, and Sybilla was part of the 2000 Australian Olympic swim team. Being at their physical and mental peak is not just about winning records, but more importantly about being their best to fulfil their role when lives are on the line. 

"You just don't want to let anyone down. It's really important to us to not let anyone down. We've signed up for this role to serve the community, and we want to make sure that we're in our best way to be able to do our job. So it's sleeping, it's exercising, it's good health," says Sybilla.

In this really fun and inspiring interview we go into the physical, mental and the often-underrated soft skills required to serve as a professional emergency responder. Their journey as individuals and their experience as a couple provides a unique perspective on the passion and dedication it takes to work in emergency care.