Welcome to Season 2 of the Podcast! In episode 1 of this new season, we were extremely fortunate to sit down with Critical Care Paramedic (CCP) and paramedic student mentor, Ricky Smyth.

As well as getting an insight into the role of a CCP, you’ll hear Ricky’s unique and invaluable perspective on the paramedic service and common challenges for those starting out in their emergency health care career.

In his 30+ years in the field and on the road, Ricky has seen and done it all... and we mean ALL! Some of his past and present roles include:

• Single Responder Paramedic


• Various Station Office in charge roles


• Peer Support Officer (of 20 years)


• Medic in the Royal Australia Navy


• Mentor to Critical Care Paramedic interns, paramedic students and graduates


• University lecturer and sessional tutor
  
  

Despite his extensive resume (which also includes being awarded “Qld Paramedic of the Year” in 2001), he is refreshingly humble, which makes listening to Ricky all the more enjoyable.

In Ricky's words, “I'm just a monk, you know, I'm just doing my thing. Just being a humble, sort of, old servant doing my bit. That's how I see myself now is just, I really enjoy, you know, tutoring, mentoring, sharing my knowledge. Working with a partner, having a good laugh during the day, helping people, um, and going whichever way they want me to go.”

TOPICS WE COVER INCLUDE:

• Ricky’s career journey from Navy Medic at 15 years of age


• Joining the state ambulance service in the 90s (with a tackle box!)


• A day in the life of a CCP


• Successful off-duty delivery of a neighbour’s twin breech birth


• Mental health for paramedics


• The paramedic’s kryptonite


• Ricky’s mantra of “No one dies in pain; No one dies afraid; No one dies alone”


• Death and being there for a stranger in their final moments


• The role of Peer Support Officer


• What makes a great paramedic


• Ricky’s best advice for those starting out in their paramedic career (with a surprising answer)

We trust you enjoy this episode as much as we did, and if so, please like it, rate it, write a comment or review and share it with a friend.

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