Paramedic mum inspires son to join the frontline

After admiring his mum, Jo’s, dedication to providing care to the community as an Ambulance Victoria Advanced Life Support (ALS) paramedic, Josh Moore decided to follow in her footsteps, with the pair both rostered to work this Mother’s Day.

Almost at the end of his graduate year with Ambulance Victoria at the Drouin branch, Josh said he’s loving every moment on road and having his mum as a colleague makes it even more special.

“Mum started studying paramedicine when I was in primary school and while I admired her for doing it, I didn’t think it was a career I’d want to pursue,” Josh said.

“I always knew I wanted to help people and while I was first drawn to the police force, after seeing the way she loved her job and the variety that comes with it, I started seriously reconsidering.

“So far, I’m loving it and truly think this is the best job ever. Even though there are challenges, I look forward to work every week.”

After years working as a ward nurse, Jo achieved her dream in 2012 when she started on road with Ambulance Victoria.

“I remember looking up ambulance officers when I was in my final years of high school and thinking I wouldn’t mind doing that. It’s a career I’ve always had the calling to do, I was just waiting for the right time to take that leap,” she said.

“Starting with Ambulance Victoria was a huge shock compared to the hospital environment, but I loved it then and I still love it now.”

Although Josh wasn’t initially interested in paramedicine, he said Jo always knew he would be suited to the work.

“She was quietly encouraging me for a while saying I was calm under pressure and that I had other skills that would make me a good paramedic. She definitely realised I would be a great fit before I did,” he said.

Now, their shared passion for providing pre-hospital emergency care has strengthened their relationship.

“We were already a close family but now we have another thing to talk about and another person we can confide in who understands what we’re going through,” Jo said.

“I think we annoy our other family members with the constant conversations, but I love that it’s brought us even closer.”

For Jo, being a mum has helped provide a different lens to her work, allowing her to relate to her patients.

“I think it definitely helps me relate to kids and babies better, so it’s a benefit to be able to use my mum skills when it comes to identifying behaviours in unwell little ones,” she said.

“I’m also very comfortable around children and can sympathise with parents and how stressful it can be when your children are unwell.”

With all she has accomplished and continues to achieve, Josh said he and his brother are incredibly proud of Jo.

“Mum is the most caring person in the world, she’s also incredibly encouraging and never fails to tell me a hundred times a day that she’s proud of me and loves me,” he said.

“She’s also a well-respected paramedic and I’ll often come across colleagues who tell me how amazing she is at her practice.

“She’s an inspiration to me and I’m beyond lucky to have her.”

While the duo are yet to work a shift together, they have run into each other at hospital before, with Jo saying she’s always proud to see her boy in his element.

“Josh has done so well throughout his grad year and I can’t help but be super proud of him. I can see he has the drive to progress his career and I know he will do great things in the future,” she said.

This Mother’s Day, Ambulance Victoria is celebrating all the mums and mother figures in our organisation for their work and commitment to providing best care to all Victorians.