UPDATE: As NSW Ambulance Appreciation Day approaches on September 19, paramedic Chris Nicholls reflects on his remarkable 15-year career, filled with life-changing moments. From delivering babies in showers to responding to the Lindt Cafe siege in Sydney, Nicholls’ experiences highlight the critical role paramedics play in our communities.
Just announced, the Queanbeyan Ambulance Station will open its doors from 11 AM to 2 PM today, offering locals a chance to meet the heroes behind the sirens. Chris, stationed in Queanbeyan, has witnessed both tragedy and triumph, emphasizing that “every day is different” in his line of work.
Nicholls transitioned to paramedicine in 2010, motivated by a desire to help others during a downturn in the construction industry. “I was around 24, 25, and I was just wanting to start looking at helping other people a bit more,” he recounted. His journey took a pivotal turn when he met his wife, Nicole, while working in Blacktown.
Their most harrowing experience came during the Lindt Cafe siege in December 2014. As gunman Man Haron Monis held 17 hostages, Nicholls and his team waited anxiously in Martin Place for hours. He described the scene: “There was an uneasy feeling in the air, but nothing was happening.”
At 2 AM, chaos erupted as shots were fired. “This part’s a bit of a blur because everything moved very, very fast,” Nicholls recalled. The paramedics quickly evacuated and rushed a critically injured patient to the hospital, all while grappling with the reality of what had just transpired.
Despite the challenges, Nicholls finds joy in his work, particularly when delivering babies. One memorable case involved a mother who unexpectedly began to give birth in her shower. “I realized quickly, like, oh my God, this is not going to go well,” he shared. With quick thinking and teamwork, they safely delivered a baby girl, a moment of triumph amidst the unpredictability of emergency response.
Living in Cooma with Nicole and their three children, balancing long shifts with family life is no easy feat. “After kids it gets a bit more difficult because our shifts are minimum 12 hours,” he explained. Their schedules require meticulous planning, often leading to late-night calls and early morning shifts.
Today, Nicholls received a Certificate of Appreciation for his unwavering commitment to his patients and colleagues. His experiences embody the dedication of paramedics who face life-and-death situations daily, often without warning.
As the community comes together to celebrate the contributions of paramedics, Nicholls urges everyone to appreciate the heroes who respond in their most vulnerable moments.
Join the Queanbeyan Ambulance Station today to witness firsthand the impact of these dedicated professionals.
