NSW Ambulance has welcomed 116 new paramedic interns and 21 emergency medical call takers, after they were officially inducted into the service at a ceremony at the State Operations Centre in Sydney.

This graduation is the second to be held this year, boosting frontline health services, across the state, with many of the new recruits commencing their first shifts from today.

The new recruits come from a range of backgrounds and experiences, including paramedic intern Tia Lieschke, who stayed calm while caring for her cousin after she was injured by a falling tree, and trainee emergency medical call taker Hayley Francis, who is looking forward to a new challenge after years working as a nurse.

The paramedic interns will be posted across NSW to complete the on-road portion of their 12-month internships, before taking permanent positions in metropolitan and regional areas.

The emergency medical call takers will all be posted to Sydney & Northern Control Centres.

“Congratulations to NSW Ambulance’s newest inductees – their skills and compassion will touch countless lives across our state,” said Minister for Health, Ryan Park.

“These new paramedic interns and emergency medical call takers represent the next generation of dedicated first responders, ready to serve their communities in a time of need.

“Their commitment to patient care and emergency response will strengthen our frontline health services making a real difference in people’s lives.”

Paramedic intern Tia Lieschke said she was inspired to become a paramedic after seeing first-hand how they helped save her cousin’s life when she was struck by a falling tree in 2025.

“I am excited to embrace life as a paramedic intern, gaining valuable experience and develop as a paramedic in regional NSW.”