When Sally Allan signed up as an Ambulance Community Officer (ACO) in the state’s north-west, she never imagined it would become a passion spanning three decades.
Now an ACO in Ouyen, Sally recently marked her 30-year anniversary with Ambulance Victoria (AV).
She is one of more than 3500 AV women being celebrated this week for Australasian Women in Emergencies Day.
The annual day recognises all women who work, volunteer or study in all areas of disaster resilience and emergency management.
Sally at the Ambulance Victoria Murrayville branch.
Sally said she first decided to join AV to contribute to her local community in Murrayville.
“I didn’t have a first aid background but it was something I was interested in,” she said.
“I never expected I’d be doing it for so long and it still give me a sense of purpose and achievement.”
She said there had been many memorable moments during her time with AV, including many challenging cases.
“Working in small towns, we will often know the patients or someone close to them which can be very hard,” she said.
“I’ve always found it a privilege though, to be there for people on what’s often one of the toughest days in their life.”
Sally said working together and comradery was at the heart of ACO work.
“I’ve met incredible people over the last 30 years and supporting each other is a big part of coping with the challenges,” she said.
“Trevor (Blue) Wyatt, an ACO of 50 years was an amazing person to learn from and work with.”
Sally said working together and comradery was at the heart of ACO work.
Sally also acknowledged her family’s continuous support throughout her AV career, particularly her four daughters.
Ambulance Victoria Executive Director Regional Operations Danielle North said it was important to recognise the contribution of all women working in the emergency services’ sector.
“A career in emergency services is never easy, but incredibly rewarding and I am proud to celebrate our talented female workforce, this week and every day,” Ms North said.
“I would like to congratulate Sally on her incredible contribution to AV and her local community over the last 30 years.”
Sally said she was pleased to see more women taking on roles within AV.
“I’ve certainly seen a shift over the years and our ACO team in Ouyen is now mostly women.
“As long as I’m in this town, I’ll continue on,” assured Sally.
