Phil Betts has worked in the Goulburn Valley as a paramedic for 50 years.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
For half a century, Phil Betts has been on the front line, but now he’s ready to hang up the boots.
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On January 20, Mr Betts reached the milestone of 50 years of service with Ambulance Victoria.
Half a century at any job is hard to achieve, but in a line of work as intense as a paramedic, not many have achieved the milestone, with Mr Betts one of a select few to reach 50 years.
From even before he started, he knew this was something he was going to do for the rest of his life.
“I did a first aid course in Numurkah, taught by the ambulance officer there,” he said.
“I thought, ‘you’re doing a job that I reckon I’d like to do’.
“I looked up to him a bit, so that became a goal to do what he was doing.”
On January 20, 1975, Mr Betts started at the Shepparton station, just shy of his 18th birthday — bright-eyed and ready to start as a cadet.
He quickly rose through the ranks, qualifying in 1994 as a Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance paramedic, a role he would hold for 30 years.
“The first time I attempted the MICA course, I failed,” Mr Betts said.
“But I told myself failure wasn’t an option. The second time, I was determined, and I succeeded.
“That was one of the highlights of my career.”
Two days after celebrating 50 years, Mr Betts celebrated his achievement with colleagues, friends and family at the Shepparton Ambulance Station on Wednesday, January 22.
Station officer Frank Gaylard spoke about his memories working with Phil Betts.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Many former ambulance officers came to celebrate Phil’s 50th anniversary.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Phil’s family was there to celebrate with him.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Past and current colleagues spoke about the times shared with Mr Betts, his dedication to the job and the love and care he provided.
Ambulance Victoria executive director Daniele North congratulated Mr Betts on the monumental achievement, recognising the thousands of people he had helped over the past 50 years.
“To think about the patients (Mr Betts helped) in the community ... I think there’s about 10,000 patients, and also their families and their friends and the witnesses that also experience the care and kindness that you have provided in the community,” she said.
Now that he’s crossed the 50-year mark, Mr Betts is looking forward to retirement.
His last day at work will be on February 3, and he’s looking forward to spending more time with his grandkids and family.
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