The Running Paramedic

15/08/2026

“Just plodding along”

People that know me well, when asked how I’m going, I regularly reply “just plodding along”. It’s one of the philosophies I try to live by and running is no exception. So today when I wanted to push myself a little harder and do my last long tempo run before Sydney marathon, I made every effort to control my breathing and plod along at a 6min pace. I wanted to test out my nutrition/hydration plan as well.

Unfortunately, cold finger ruined my dexterity and so opening/closing the zipper on my nerd belt was horrid, getting the bottles back in caused me to drop them a few times and getting in my Maple Movement gels were trickier than I expected. Needless to say, this was a me issue, not the gels or equipment. I was cold! But, because I was simply ‘plodding along’ I slowed down a little more so I could get the nutrition in. It worked. I wasn’t fatigued by the end of my run and felt I could keep going. I also think I’ll add a little string to the zipper to help on those cold mornings.

Then came the distractions. The biggest being a hot air balloon taking off over the river. Took me a while to realise what the sound was until I saw the giant rainbow balloon through the trees. It was worth a short break to witness just how magnificent these aircraft are. I nerded out just a little bit.

Now that this run is done, I didn’t realise just how well my little mantra of ‘plodding along’ helps me. I allow myself time to enjoy what I see and experience on the runs which improves my mental health. If I didn’t start so early and have ultra cold fingers, I wouldn’t have seen the hot air balloon taking off.

It’s generally the little things in life like this, that can bring the most joy.

14/08/2026

I am an extremely lucky person and Paramedic to have incredible mentors in my life. People like DK here who has helped shape my career for the past 16 years.

When I got asked how I want to receive my National Medal, the answer was simple: by my local manager who I have looked up to the most in my career.

I can guarantee you, I would not be the paramedic or person I am today without this man’s guidance. He epitomises the saying:

“As one person I cannot change the world, but I can change the world of one person”

Thanks for always setting the example, never walking past poor behaviour or standards, and most of all being a guide and mentor through our my career.

I also find it fascinating that one of the first people I looked up to in my life was Mrs DK who taught me in year 2. I may have been a bit of a teachers pet hahaha

13/08/2026

Winter and burnout go hand in hand for healthcare workers. While so many parts of the job are out of our control, we can do things to help with burnout. Check out Black Dogs The Essential Network (TEN).

11/08/2026

Got to catch up with Sean from Runnulla - Performance Footwear and Clothing Cronulla last week who’s been a great supporter of this page, and the main sponsor for NSWA Pacemakers.

I haven’t had new road shoes for about 6 years (bought the same ones over and over again) and I was so anxious about trying something new leading into Sydney Marathon.

Thankfully Sean knows what he’s talking about and helped fit me with the New Balance Supercomp Trainer.

First run today in them and once my foot settled into them they felt a million bucks. My daughter is pretty happy I’m in pink too.

For Pacemaker members, keep an eye out for how to get a discount on full priced items and free postage.

11/08/2026

I’m impressed with the police following processes to ensure a potential crime scene is preserved because, let’s be honest, if they just dismissed it, opened the suitcase and lost evidence as a result, we would be asking for resignations and sackings.

The public curiosity as to how this happens is natural but I really hope NSWPF are ensuring the mental wellbeing of the staff involved seeing the public pile on.

We forget our humanity sometimes. We forget that first responders are human. We ignore the effects we have on people just trying to do their job.

So please be kind, and be thankful they followed the proper processes.

‘It might be slightly embarrassing, but I’d much rather it be a doll than they get it wrong and it was an actual human.’ Link below.

08/08/2026

It might not be an Eastern Rosella but Crimson the Cockatoo here is alright in my book.

We rarely get time to have a morning catch up with colleagues anymore but the laughs, stories and connections built is so important to our psychological wellbeing. Today was just full of laughs, dark humour and learning. It was so good, Crimson even wanted to join our club without the promise of food.

13/07/2026

It’s about time it’s us men stop trying to argue our way out of male violence. While not all men will be violent, we all have a responsibility to prevent male violence. We need to teach our boys that violence of all kinds is not ok. Boys can grow up to be proud and strong without violence.

Our politicians need to stand up and legislate change and put money into prevention.

If we only respond when violence occurs, we’ll be in the same position in 20 years time as boys born today grow up.

Thanks Tarang Chawla for using yours and your sister’s experience to create positive change.

08/07/2026

✨ The Emerge & See Silver Linings Gratitude Gala, Presenting Partner 'Law Partners' ✨
​Join us for an unforgettable evening of reflection, connection, and celebration as we honor the incredible sacrifices of NSW and ACT Emergency Service workers and volunteers.
​Our theme, Silver Linings, focuses on hope, resilience, and the positive recoveries that emerge from mental health challenges and PTSD.
​Here’s what’s in store:
​🍸 Kickstart the Night: Enjoy an 'Espress’000’ Martini arrival drink, proudly sponsored by Toby's Estate Coffee!
​🎤 Hosted by Osher Günsberg: We are thrilled to welcome one of Australia’s most iconic media personalities and powerful mental health advocates as our MC for the evening.
​🎸 Live Music: Get ready to dance with the high-energy crowd-pleasers, Top Shelf Live!
​🎟️ Fun & Fundraising: This is our premier fundraiser of the year. Win big with live/silent auctions, raffles, and interactive games!
​Every dollar raised helps Emerge & See provide free, independent, and confidential mental health support for our frontline heroes. Let’s celebrate the silver linings together. 💙
​🎟️ Grab your tickets now:
Link bio: https://events.humanitix.com/emergeandseegratitudegala

03/07/2026

Well, I smashed my fundraising goal and so the kids got to smash me with a pie. Thank you to Emerge & See for all you do and glad we could raise some money for a worthy cause.

02/07/2026

Tonight I’m going to let the kids smash a pie in my face for PTSD (soft cream, they’d kill me otherwise). This is all to raise money for Emerge & See NSW & ACT which is a peer led charity for first responders.

It’s not too late to donate, and if I get a few more donations I’ll make sure to upload the video for all to see 🥧😳.

If you have a few dollars to spare, it’s time to help the helpers. In a recent interview on the Today Show I explained how we are human and we break. We aren’t superheroes and we too need help due to the things we do and see at work.

Thank you to everyone who has donated and the people ready to donate today.

I'm raising money for a cause close to my heart and would love your support.