A paramedic pair: In step and in service

When Helena and Jorge McCulloch stepped off the plane into 41-degree Perth heat in February 2024, they turned to each other and thought, “Oh no, where are we?”

But as they settled in, it didn’t take long to see the beauty around them.

Their journey began on opposite ends of Queensland, where Jorge worked as a lifeguard and Helena as a dental assistant.

It was the University of the Sunshine Coast that brought them together – first as classmates, then as a couple, united by their growing passion for pre-hospital care.

“We knew we wanted to be paramedics,” Helena said.

“We just didn’t know yet that our path would take us around the world.”

After graduating, they found themselves unable to secure positions in the same state.

So, with a shared spirit of adventure, they took a leap and landed in London.

For four years, they served on the bustling streets of the UK capital as paramedics with the London Ambulance Service, navigating a complex system during one of the most turbulent times in modern health care: the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We were only supposed to stay two years,” Jorge said.

“But the world had other plans.”

London sharpened their clinical skills, but it also showed them the cost of disconnection.

“We were on completely opposite rosters,” Helena said.

“Sometimes we’d pass each other coming off a night shift – it was like being ships in the night.”

So when the time came to return to Australia, they knew they needed more than a job.

That’s where St John WA (SJWA) came in.

“St John was amazing,” Jorge said.

“They said we could come over together as a package, which is why we chose to move here.”

Since starting with SJWA, Helena and Jorge have felt a real difference in both workplace culture and quality of life.

“You can feel there’s a lot of change in the service, and it’s moving in the right direction,” Jorge said.

They speak with warmth about the volunteers they work alongside and the culture of care that pulses through the organisation.

“Volunteers aren’t just helping; they’re looking after their own communities,” Jorge said.

“There’s real heart in that.”

“The biggest difference is the community feel,” Helena added.

“Here, you really get to know your colleagues and the people you care for.”

The couple also appreciates the flexibility and support from the organisation.

“We’re on the same shift colour, so we actually see each other and get days off together,” Helena said.

One moment that’s stuck with them is a heartfelt thank you letter from a patient’s wife.

“She said we were kind and professional,” Helena recalled.

“She described Jorge as a ‘nice young man who looked like Tom Cruise,’ and called me a ‘nice young blonde-haired lady,’ she laughed.

“We never expected that, it really meant a lot,” Jorge said.

Asked to describe their experience with St John WA in three words, they don’t hesitate: Happy, healthy and social.

Helena and Jorge came to WA unsure of what to expect.

Now, they say the job feels sustainable, the lifestyle is balanced, and the community is one they’re proud to serve.

If you know a qualified paramedic looking for a new chapter in Western Australia, direct them to  careers.stjohnwa.com.au/workinwa to discover current opportunities with St John WA.