He’s embraced a career that’s been both rewarding and heartbreaking but Chris Lahene wouldn’t change a thing.
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The Intensive Care and Extended Care Paramedic and Station Officer at Culburra marked thirty years of service to the industry on September 22.
Originally from Sydney, Mr Lahene was involved with SES in Liverpool and working for Australian Customs when he decided to follow a new career path.
“I had some life experience, particularly from working with Customs but I knew it was always going to be confronting,’ Mr Lahene said.
“I worked in Bankstown originally and lived in Liverpool so it was always my worst fear that I’d be called to a scene where it was somebody I knew.”
Those fears were realised on Mr Lahene’s first day on the job.
He was called to assist a friend’s father who was suffering a heart attack and sadly passed away.
Mr Lahene said while the emotional weight of the job has taken its toll at time, mental health awareness has improved within NSW Ambulance.
“There’s still work to go but it’s a newly recognised field of PTSD. The ambulance service acknowledges that and working to address that.
- -Chris Lahene
“There’s still work to go but it’s a newly recognised field of PTSD. The ambulance service acknowledges that and is working to address that,” he said.
“The biggest thing is the recognising that there is a cumulative effect and reaching out when you need it.
“I should have reached out and eventually I did. I got support from my family and GP and we all (paramedics) talk to each other more than anything now. We’re all more aware of the effects the job can have on your mental health.”
While there’s been some tough times, Mr Lahene said there’s also been plenty of rewarding moments including the day he delivered a set of twins.
“They’re always good moments but it’s the conversations that you have with people and they point out that you made a difference that stick,” he said.
“Whilst it’s another job for us it’s a significant moment in the life of that person.”
Over his 30 years Mr Lahene said he’s seen plenty of changes in the industry.
When he first started, gloves weren't worn, there were only two drugs paramedics were allowed to administer and stethoscopes were not permitted.
The shift from Sydney to Culburra has also seen Mr Lahene adjust to a new career lifestyle.
“Whilst it’s another job for us it’s a significant moment in the life of that person.
- - Chris Lahene
“One of the main differences is you get to know the people you’re dealing with whereas in Sydney you may never see them again,” he said.
“It makes life easier but it also puts more pressure on and takes its toll. Rather than being just another person you have that higher emotional investment.”
Being part of a 24 hour a day, seven day a week service, Mr Lahene could be forgiven for hanging on to his leisure time but the dedicated health professional is also a Registered Nurse at Shoalhaven Hospital in the Emergency Department.
“It was something I decided to do because it was a bit quieter, had more times on my hands and I didn’t want to go stale,” he said.
He completed the course by distance education while working full-time.
“We had no holidays and my wife suffered a bit during that time but we took some holidays at the end to celebrate,” he said.
“Now she’s doing her RN and she finished this semester.”
Having already played a round of gold to celebrate his 30 years, Mr Lehene said he plans to see out his career into retirement.
“It’s given me a wonderful life and as I said to my sons, all I can hope for is that they do something that makes them happy,” he said.
“I found my niche.”