Jodie Klein made a significant career shift after 21 years in education, trading her role as an assistant principal for the demanding life of a paramedic. Now serving as a P1 paramedic in Dunedoo, Australia, her journey began when she relocated to Manildra, where her husband serves as a local police officer. It was here that she discovered her passion for emergency services through volunteering with the New South Wales Ambulance volunteers.
Reflecting on her decision, Ms. Klein shared, “I got involved with the New South Wales Ambulance volunteers… I really enjoyed being a volley [volunteer] and being out in the community and helping people.” Feeling the need for a fresh start, she recognized that teaching had become monotonous and unfulfilling.
Initially, the prospect of studying paramedicine felt daunting. While recovering from a work-related injury, Ms. Klein stumbled upon an online paramedicine program offered by Charles Sturt University on social media. “I applied and was pretty much accepted straight away,” she recounted. She kept her educational pursuits private until nearing the end of her teaching career, ultimately completing her degree in just under three years, aided by credits from her volunteer work and teaching experience.
Upon graduating in late 2021, she was assigned to Dubbo for her first year before moving to Dunedoo. Although she resides in Molong, she considers Dunedoo her second home, where she follows an eight-day-on, six-day-off roster, often spending nights on call. “I love it; it’s different every day,” she remarked. “I wanted something where I knew I would be making a difference in the community.”
The supportive environment of her team plays a crucial role in her job satisfaction. “We are a big family,” she said. “We all look out for each other… there’s never any judgement from my team.” Ms. Klein acknowledges the unpredictability of paramedic work, stating, “You don’t know what that next call will be… to have people that you can turn to and rely on on your bad days is vital.”
In her early days as a paramedic, Ms. Klein humorously recalled being referred to as the “shit magnet” in Dubbo, a title that reflected the challenging nature of her work. “Being older… my patience is a lot better,” she noted, recognizing that her life experiences have equipped her with valuable skills. “I was 46, turning 47 when I started in the job. I suppose you could call it a bit of a midlife crisis.”
In addition to her paramedic duties, Ms. Klein is deeply involved in youth road safety initiatives. Over the past two years, she has worked with the “Dare to Beware” program, which targets Year 10 and 11 students preparing for their driving licenses. “We try to present a real program about what they’re going to endure, expect, and give them some guidance… to make better choices,” she explained. The program has seen significant growth, with nearly 600 students participating in recent sessions in Dubbo, where Ms. Klein often serves as the master of ceremonies.
Her involvement in road safety is personal; her son was in a car accident in 2013 that tragically claimed the life of his best friend. “I think it’s a bit personal as well,” she shared, underscoring her commitment to the cause.
Transitioning from education to emergency services was not without its challenges. “I felt like a fish out of water,” she admitted. “Even though I’d been a volunteer since 2018, it was so different because I was a qualified paramedic.” The heightened expectations made the experience feel more intense. Nevertheless, Ms. Klein has found fulfillment in her new role and appreciates the friendships she has developed within the paramedic community. “The ongoing support from them has been fantastic,” she said.
Looking forward, Ms. Klein is eager to continue her work as a paramedic. “I reckon I’ve got at least another 15 to 16 years in me,” she expressed. She hopes to serve as a paramedic for the same length of time she taught, though she remains open to the future. “You never know,” she added.
As part of NSW Ambulance Appreciation Day on September 19, 2023, the Dubbo Ambulance Station will open its doors from 11:00 to 14:00, providing an opportunity for the community to engage with the paramedics who serve them. Ms. Klein’s journey exemplifies the profound impact that a career change can have, not just on an individual, but also on the community they serve.
