Dramatic car crash inspires career change

Jackson Auditore was driving along the South Gippsland Highway in June 2020 when his car slid on the wet road, hit an embankment and flipped.

He’d been on his way to meet friends for a camping trip, but the journey changed the trajectory of his life.

Driving behind Jackson was an off-duty Ambulance Victoria (AV) paramedic, who immediately stopped and came to help.

“I was so impressed with how he handled the situation and how he helped me,” Jackson said.

“He made everything a whole lot better than it otherwise would have been.”

Jackson, the sole occupant of the car, was lucky. He was able to walk away from the crash with just a few cuts and bruises.

“It was an absolute fluke that I was ok, and it was the first time in my life that I had a close encounter with death. It made me think about what I was doing with my life.”

At the time, 27-year-old Jackson had recently been made redundant from his job in human resources and was searching for another role in the industry.

But the crash and his interactions with the off-duty AV paramedic brought Jackson’s future into focus.

“I wanted to do something that really helps the community and that I felt had more importance,” he said.

“I wanted to be like the paramedic who made such a huge difference for me. I wanted to be able to help other people in the worst moments of their life.”

Jackson returned to university and studied a paramedicine degree. Five years on from the crash that changed his life, he began his new career as an AV graduate paramedic at the Ringwood ambulance branch.

“It’s everything I hoped it would be,” he said.

“Everyone I’ve worked with has been absolutely fantastic. Friendly, helpful and I’ve felt included from day one.

“I’ve had great clinical instructors and feel really supported in terms of learning and making sure I’m providing best care to patients. I’m really enjoying it.”

Jackson can tell his experience as an AV patient in 2020 is now positively influencing his work as a paramedic.

“One thing about the off-duty paramedic that stood out to me was that once he’d made sure I wasn’t at death’s door, he was very light-hearted and friendly,” Jackson said.

“He had a very positive, cheerful attitude and I remember how much that helped me in the moment. That memory absolutely influences how I interact with patients now.”

After about five months on the road, Jackson isn’t looking back. He is confident his career change was the right move.

“There have been a few cases where I genuinely feel like I’ve been able to make a big difference – I’ve been able to visibly see the patient improve after my care and treatment.

“It feels great to know that you’ve improved someone’s situation when they’re in a really bad spot, and they’re always so appreciative and thankful.

“I feel like I’m doing exactly what I’m supposed to be doing.”

Learn more about becoming a paramedic at AV.