Queensland Ambulance Service
#1546
Just Joined
Joined: Sep 2008
Location: Logan (South Brisbane) Australia
Posts: 2
Re: Queensland Ambulance Service
First post but been reading (and been addicted to) this tread for some while now. Actually an ex-pat who has been living in Logan (South Brisbane) for the past 6 years, so if I can be of any help as somebody who is already on the ground just give me a shout (suburbs, renting anything really).
I'm actually in the process of applying for as a Student Paramedic at QAS, something I have wanted to do for a long time and was in the early stages of applying to the Service in the UK when the opportunity to move to Aus arrived so was put on the back burner for a little while.
Would love any advise and insight on what it is like being a Paramedic and also on regions that I should apply for . Hillcrest (which I think is called Logan West) would be my local station, any of you guys been/being posted there? I understand that as a Student Para (unless you are in Brisbane centre) you are posted at your most local station as long as there is positions available there - or you can submit a request for a different region. I'm happy to move to get the right station so any advise there would be great, Im looking at the following regions; Beenleigh region (which I'm part of) Ipswich or Toowoomba regions, or possibly Warwick. I cant specify which station in the regions though, I have to select 3 different regions in order of preference, but happy to consider any others.
If any of you guys are having get togethers would be great , dont really know many Brits over here. All I can say though is that I have been here just over 5 years and have no regrets at all, love the lifestyle, have a nice 3 bed house with large yard where in the South of England I could not even afford a studio flat.... no regrets at all!!!!
As I said if you have any questions for me feel free!!!
I'm actually in the process of applying for as a Student Paramedic at QAS, something I have wanted to do for a long time and was in the early stages of applying to the Service in the UK when the opportunity to move to Aus arrived so was put on the back burner for a little while.
Would love any advise and insight on what it is like being a Paramedic and also on regions that I should apply for . Hillcrest (which I think is called Logan West) would be my local station, any of you guys been/being posted there? I understand that as a Student Para (unless you are in Brisbane centre) you are posted at your most local station as long as there is positions available there - or you can submit a request for a different region. I'm happy to move to get the right station so any advise there would be great, Im looking at the following regions; Beenleigh region (which I'm part of) Ipswich or Toowoomba regions, or possibly Warwick. I cant specify which station in the regions though, I have to select 3 different regions in order of preference, but happy to consider any others.
If any of you guys are having get togethers would be great , dont really know many Brits over here. All I can say though is that I have been here just over 5 years and have no regrets at all, love the lifestyle, have a nice 3 bed house with large yard where in the South of England I could not even afford a studio flat.... no regrets at all!!!!
As I said if you have any questions for me feel free!!!
#1547
Just Joined
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 25
Re: Queensland Ambulance Service
Can any body tell me what I would put down for my earnings when I arrive and apply for a mortgage in OZ. I know the basic is only low and the wages are made up with different things but do all these count towards a mortgage
Last edited by should I stay or should I; Sep 8th 2008 at 5:44 pm. Reason: Spelling lol
#1548
Forum Regular
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 33
Re: Queensland Ambulance Service
If coming over as an Advanced Care Paramedic then your basic is approx. $48,000.00, this is what you need to put down as the penalties aren't guaranteed.
#1549
Home and Happy
Joined: Dec 2002
Location: Keep true friends and puppets close, trust no-one else...
Posts: 93,815
Re: Queensland Ambulance Service
#1550
Re: Queensland Ambulance Service
Yes mate - just send the letter from DIAC and your passports to the Consulate in London - make sure you do it Special Delivery and return. The PostOffice will put you straight. Think it cost me about a tenner.. Got them back in 4 days!! But that I can't guarantee
#1551
Just Joined
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 4
Re: Queensland Ambulance Service
Hi Nixie,
I work at Ipswich station, came over last June (2007) from London. The station and staff are great, along with the crews at Raceview and Redbank and all the other stations in and around this area. You'll be made very welcome and given the support you need to progress to ICP if you'd like. We'll be moving to a new station in the next 12mths or so which should improve our accommodation and facilities. You'll get to sleep on nights (your own bed, if your quick) if your lucky, just finished 2 nights and got about 5 hours sleep in all. Can get very busy though and Ipswich hsp is a very busy A/E, you can be waiting 2 to 3 hours sometimes with patients on your stretchers. Don't worry though, you can only do one job at a time
We love the lifestyle and really enjoy the time off, lots to do at very little cost. Colleges Crossing is just down the road and is really lovely, fab wildlife, resident Carpet Python ( 2metres long) and fab latte's You'll love it you really will.
Now what was it you wanted to know, Ipswich suburbs, nice & not so nice. Keep clear of Leichhardt and One Mile if you can, the guys tell me there probably the worst areas in Ipswich. If you can, look at Karalee, Karana Downs, Barrellan Point, Brassall, Yamanto and Central Ipswich. These area's have some lovely properties and Ipswich is 'The most liveable city in Queensland'. Properties are still reasonable and not too far from Brisbane, Sunshine Coast/Gold Coast. We live in Bellbowrie and are very happy. If your going to buy then offer at least 15% below the asking price and work from there. We did and as you'll learn it's best to haggle on price, it's an Australian thing, never pay the quoted price that goes for most things bar food shopping.
If I can help you out in any way then just ask. Australia's a great country with some great opportunities. It's not perfect but in my experience it's as close as we've ever got.
Just another day in paradise
I work at Ipswich station, came over last June (2007) from London. The station and staff are great, along with the crews at Raceview and Redbank and all the other stations in and around this area. You'll be made very welcome and given the support you need to progress to ICP if you'd like. We'll be moving to a new station in the next 12mths or so which should improve our accommodation and facilities. You'll get to sleep on nights (your own bed, if your quick) if your lucky, just finished 2 nights and got about 5 hours sleep in all. Can get very busy though and Ipswich hsp is a very busy A/E, you can be waiting 2 to 3 hours sometimes with patients on your stretchers. Don't worry though, you can only do one job at a time
We love the lifestyle and really enjoy the time off, lots to do at very little cost. Colleges Crossing is just down the road and is really lovely, fab wildlife, resident Carpet Python ( 2metres long) and fab latte's You'll love it you really will.
Now what was it you wanted to know, Ipswich suburbs, nice & not so nice. Keep clear of Leichhardt and One Mile if you can, the guys tell me there probably the worst areas in Ipswich. If you can, look at Karalee, Karana Downs, Barrellan Point, Brassall, Yamanto and Central Ipswich. These area's have some lovely properties and Ipswich is 'The most liveable city in Queensland'. Properties are still reasonable and not too far from Brisbane, Sunshine Coast/Gold Coast. We live in Bellbowrie and are very happy. If your going to buy then offer at least 15% below the asking price and work from there. We did and as you'll learn it's best to haggle on price, it's an Australian thing, never pay the quoted price that goes for most things bar food shopping.
If I can help you out in any way then just ask. Australia's a great country with some great opportunities. It's not perfect but in my experience it's as close as we've ever got.
Just another day in paradise
Thanks for the info much appreciated can now get on with looking into areas to live. I had heard of one or two unpleasant areas but thats to be expected anywhere.
Not adverse to busy nights,no breaks, waiting in cas and getting no shut eye on night shifts! As you mention you can only do one job at a time Am looking forward to a change of scenery and all the rest that goes with a new job/place.
Thanks for the offer of help too because am sure as the time comes to move there maybe one or two questions spring to mind.
#1552
Just Joined
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 2
Re: Queensland Ambulance Service
I have just joined this site, and need some help. I am an Ambulance Technician for 2 years in Glasgow. I want to emigrate to Australia, will they take me as a student Paramedic?
Any Info Greatly appreciated.
Lynsey x
#1553
Just Joined
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 2
Re: Queensland Ambulance Service
First post but been reading (and been addicted to) this tread for some while now. Actually an ex-pat who has been living in Logan (South Brisbane) for the past 6 years, so if I can be of any help as somebody who is already on the ground just give me a shout (suburbs, renting anything really).
I'm actually in the process of applying for as a Student Paramedic at QAS, something I have wanted to do for a long time and was in the early stages of applying to the Service in the UK when the opportunity to move to Aus arrived so was put on the back burner for a little while.
Would love any advise and insight on what it is like being a Paramedic and also on regions that I should apply for . Hillcrest (which I think is called Logan West) would be my local station, any of you guys been/being posted there? I understand that as a Student Para (unless you are in Brisbane centre) you are posted at your most local station as long as there is positions available there - or you can submit a request for a different region. I'm happy to move to get the right station so any advise there would be great, Im looking at the following regions; Beenleigh region (which I'm part of) Ipswich or Toowoomba regions, or possibly Warwick. I cant specify which station in the regions though, I have to select 3 different regions in order of preference, but happy to consider any others.
If any of you guys are having get togethers would be great , dont really know many Brits over here. All I can say though is that I have been here just over 5 years and have no regrets at all, love the lifestyle, have a nice 3 bed house with large yard where in the South of England I could not even afford a studio flat.... no regrets at all!!!!
As I said if you have any questions for me feel free!!!
I'm actually in the process of applying for as a Student Paramedic at QAS, something I have wanted to do for a long time and was in the early stages of applying to the Service in the UK when the opportunity to move to Aus arrived so was put on the back burner for a little while.
Would love any advise and insight on what it is like being a Paramedic and also on regions that I should apply for . Hillcrest (which I think is called Logan West) would be my local station, any of you guys been/being posted there? I understand that as a Student Para (unless you are in Brisbane centre) you are posted at your most local station as long as there is positions available there - or you can submit a request for a different region. I'm happy to move to get the right station so any advise there would be great, Im looking at the following regions; Beenleigh region (which I'm part of) Ipswich or Toowoomba regions, or possibly Warwick. I cant specify which station in the regions though, I have to select 3 different regions in order of preference, but happy to consider any others.
If any of you guys are having get togethers would be great , dont really know many Brits over here. All I can say though is that I have been here just over 5 years and have no regrets at all, love the lifestyle, have a nice 3 bed house with large yard where in the South of England I could not even afford a studio flat.... no regrets at all!!!!
As I said if you have any questions for me feel free!!!
Hi there!
I am currently an Ambulance Technician in Glasgow, and i want to emigrate to Oz (Queensland). Do you know if they would take me on as a student paramedic?
Any info appreciated.
Thanks
Lynsey
#1554
Re: Queensland Ambulance Service
yes they would take you on as a student at paramedic 1 level(p1). just had email from them. you would have to fill out recognition of prior learning (RPL) to go through this process. they would not sponsor you this way and you would have to sort out your own permanent visa to be eligible. I enquired because I have 3 1/2 years as a technician and a year as a paramedic. they said I needed 3 years road experience as a quallified so i would have to go down the student road.
I would appreciate if someone would tell me different about the 3 years experience as a paramedic who has applied and been successful at p3 level with less than 3 years road experience as a paramedic because i am a little dissapointed having to gain another 2 years experience as a paramedic when I have done 4 1/2 years in EMS. cant wait that long to get from UK.
GARY
I would appreciate if someone would tell me different about the 3 years experience as a paramedic who has applied and been successful at p3 level with less than 3 years road experience as a paramedic because i am a little dissapointed having to gain another 2 years experience as a paramedic when I have done 4 1/2 years in EMS. cant wait that long to get from UK.
GARY
#1555
Just Joined
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 24
Re: Queensland Ambulance Service
yes they would take you on as a student at paramedic 1 level(p1). just had email from them. you would have to fill out recognition of prior learning (RPL) to go through this process. they would not sponsor you this way and you would have to sort out your own permanent visa to be eligible. I enquired because I have 3 1/2 years as a technician and a year as a paramedic. they said I needed 3 years road experience as a quallified so i would have to go down the student road.
I would appreciate if someone would tell me different about the 3 years experience as a paramedic who has applied and been successful at p3 level with less than 3 years road experience as a paramedic because i am a little dissapointed having to gain another 2 years experience as a paramedic when I have done 4 1/2 years in EMS. cant wait that long to get from UK.
GARY
I would appreciate if someone would tell me different about the 3 years experience as a paramedic who has applied and been successful at p3 level with less than 3 years road experience as a paramedic because i am a little dissapointed having to gain another 2 years experience as a paramedic when I have done 4 1/2 years in EMS. cant wait that long to get from UK.
GARY
I bet this isn't right. Your Tech should count as experience, since the original two recruiters have moved onto other things the recruitment process has gone t*ts up.
#1556
Re: Queensland Ambulance Service
I know there are a few technicians who got jobs in the QAS on the coast - they did not have to join the student programme as such - they had to work with qualified officers (ACPs) as if they were students - my understanding was that they had to join in with some of the students workshops to upgrade some of their skills and would also have to do a panel (exam/scenarios etc) to be able to qualify at some point (unsure of timeframes).
I also heard that there was a problem with one of the guys who came out as a technician - there was an issue with his visa due to the "technician" status not being recognised as a relevent qualification whereas a paramedic qualification was recognised by the immigration department - I have to say that I only heard this by word of mouth and I understand the guy concerned is now back in the UK.
It is odd as there are a number of UK technicians here who have not had the same issue - so I would just check everything out thoroughly just to make sure. Maybe you could contact someone who came out as a technician and find out from the horses mouth so to speak.
Good luck with everything
S
#1557
Re: Queensland Ambulance Service
thanks for replys. I am not applying as a technician though. I am a paramedic but with only a years experience and three years as a technician. thought maybe that could count as road experience as they seem to be asking for 3 years road experience. Anyone who applied in same situation I would be glad to hear from you.
#1558
Forum Regular
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 63
Re: Queensland Ambulance Service
:thum bup:
Hello all,
after following this thread for nearly 2 years now and being a home dad since we arrived here in Australia 2,5 years ago, I thought it is time to get back on the road again. We moved up from Brisbane to the beautiful sunshine coast 5 months ago and do not regret it at all. It's the best place to be! I am nearly finished with my papers and hope that I can hand them in before Xmas.
At the moment I am looking for other overseas paramedics new to the area, to maybe catch up and exchange experiences. My background is having been a paramedic in Germany and New Zealand for the last 12 years, we have 3 kids (5 yrs, 2 yrs, 8 months).
So if anybody is interested, just pm me! Also if you need more information about the sunshine coast area about house renting, schools etc. .......
::thu mbup:
Hello all,
after following this thread for nearly 2 years now and being a home dad since we arrived here in Australia 2,5 years ago, I thought it is time to get back on the road again. We moved up from Brisbane to the beautiful sunshine coast 5 months ago and do not regret it at all. It's the best place to be! I am nearly finished with my papers and hope that I can hand them in before Xmas.
At the moment I am looking for other overseas paramedics new to the area, to maybe catch up and exchange experiences. My background is having been a paramedic in Germany and New Zealand for the last 12 years, we have 3 kids (5 yrs, 2 yrs, 8 months).
So if anybody is interested, just pm me! Also if you need more information about the sunshine coast area about house renting, schools etc. .......
::thu mbup:
#1559
Forum Regular
Joined: Apr 2008
Location: Oz, nr nowhere
Posts: 107
Re: Queensland Ambulance Service
thanks for replys. I am not applying as a technician though. I am a paramedic but with only a years experience and three years as a technician. thought maybe that could count as road experience as they seem to be asking for 3 years road experience. Anyone who applied in same situation I would be glad to hear from you.
Have you thought about New South Wales? I have the same time as you - 3yrs tech, 1 year para and I've been RPL'd to Intensive Care Paramedic. I'm off to Sydney for interview next month.
#1560
Re: Queensland Ambulance Service
not really thought about NSW. property prices for that area be out of my league. did you apply to QAS or anyone else.
gary
gary