Ambulance career centred on connection

Teresa Powell has seen great change during 35 years with Queensland Ambulance Service but says human connections, made on the job, have always been the most rewarding aspect.

In the lead-up to International Women's Day on March 8, we're shining a light on women on the front line.

The Redcliffe Station Officer in Charge says she has worked with a rich and diverse group of outstanding people, many of whom have become life-long friends.

Teresa’s career started with Queensland Ambulance Transport Brigade (QATB) in December 1989.

“My interest in joining the ambulance service came about when undertaking observer shifts when training to be an Army Medic,” she recalls.

“It wasn’t until after leaving the Army and working briefly in the Fire Service as a Watch Room Attendant, that I actively pursued working in the ambulance service.”

Despite having an interest in working in rural and remote locations, she has spent her entire career in Brisbane, starting at Chermside, then Spring Hill, followed by Sandgate.

“I was promoted to Officer in Charge at Chermside Station in 1997. I had a subsequent transfer to Northgate before taking up the OIC position at Redcliffe (in 2008),” she says.

“Secondments in roles at district, regional and state level have provided great learning opportunities and given me great insight into the organisation.”

In her role as Officer in Charge at Redcliffe, she is responsible for the management of the station.

“This includes staffing, vehicles, equipment and patient care supplies. I am also on the front-line attending to patients in the community.

“No day is ever quite the same. In an instant, I can go from planning a roster projection to responding on a case.”

Teresa says there are many aspects of her role she enjoys.

“Working with staff, helping them realise their goals and reach their potential. I also enjoy engaging with other agencies and community,” she says.

“Moreton Bay has a great sense of community, and it is a privilege to have the trust of others to serve it.”

Teresa says, after a long career, she has come to the realisation that she has resilience.

“I’ve been able to move through and grow from difficult times, absorbing experiences that have been both positive and challenging, helping shape the person that I have become,” she explains.

So, has there been a woman in her personal or professional life who has inspired her?

“There has been a number of women that have been outstanding role models, however the women that have been awe inspiring to me are those that raised families, whilst working shiftwork, at a time when there were virtually nil flexible working options available to them,” she says.

“Regrettably many of my peers had to forgo their careers dues to such limitations. Fortunately, today there is wonderful support for staff to have flexibility in their personal and working life.”

Teresa says the introduction of women into the Ambulance Service has been crucial to its success.

“We have long been (and rightly) accepted as true equals, bringing many qualities, and complementing the service,” she explains.

“Women continue to make advancement in all areas of the service. It is a great time to be a woman in the ambulance service, as there are indeed many opportunities for all officers to expand their horizons, moving into other areas of the service or undertaking inter-agency secondments.

“There are greater opportunities for women in management roles than there ever has been. There has been a gradual shift over the years in recognising that women make excellent managers and are placed in these roles based on merit. They bring many quality attributes to the management teams.   

“My advice to any women wishing to pursue a role in management is to stay authentic, focus on relationship-building, garner credibility, exhibit humility and pay forward by empowering other women in achieving their pursuit of career advancement.”