While paramedicine training is ultimately about saving lives, it also proved valuable for University of Tasmania alumni Ella Cuthbert and Sean Mackay, during their recent stint on renovation television show House Rules.
“We took seven months off work for the show, however I think our work prepared us and we coped with the long days, late nights and fatigue better than some of the other teams,” Ella said,
Their skills also proved useful on set when a fellow contestant cut an artery in his wrist on a pane of glass.
While Ella and Sean did not win the show outright - they walked away with their Hobart home fully renovated – something they could not have hoped to achieve for many years.
“At times I was wishing we were back at work and thinking what the hell are we doing here – but coming out of the show I am so happy and feel so lucky,” Sean said.
The two are now enjoying being back in Hobart, concentrating on their careers as paramedics.
With an interest in medicine Ella (BParamedPrac 2014) and
Sean (BParamedPrac 2013) were initially attracted to the Faculty of Health’s Bachelor
of Paramedic Practice degree, both because of its two-year length and the
hands-on experience it offered.
“Mine was a small course of only 40 students which meant
plenty of hands-on time with the equipment,” Ella said.
The University also has its own simulated ambulance which was really good for learning and summer placements also gave us a chance for plenty of real-life experience.
Sean and Ella said the strong link between the University and Ambulance Tasmania was also of great benefit during and after their studies and both felt very privileged to have secured jobs in Hobart.
While it had been good to return to their work as paramedics after the show, Ella and Sean said life now consisted of a ‘new normal.’
“Lot of patients want selfies now,” Ella said.
There are patients who are actually quite sick and you have to say 'hang on, let’s talk about you for a minute.'
“It’s fun though and you have to enjoy it while it lasts I guess.”
Find out more about the Bachelor of Paramedic Practice.