The women behind the uniform

Uniforms tell only part of the story.

This International Women’s Day, former St John paramedic and photographer Emma Rachelle (Emma Dodd) has captured a different perspective through a portrait series celebrating seven women connected to the St John community.

The series features women working across emergency care and support roles and reflects the lives they lead beyond the job. Each portrait is paired with imagery from everyday life – family, home and the moments that shape who they are outside of work.

Emma developed the idea after reflecting on how often people are defined by a single role or experience.

“People see the uniform and the role,” she says. “But these women are so much more than that. They are mothers, daughters, partners, friends and members of their communities.”

Having previously worked as a paramedic herself, Emma photographed women she had worked alongside or crossed paths with during her time in ambulance services and healthcare.

The portraits capture the women both in uniform and in their everyday environments, recognising the many identities they carry beyond their professional roles.

The women featured in the series – Lee, Orlagh, Rhonda, Emma, Emelie, Annie and Tania – each bring their own stories of work, family and resilience.

For Emma, the project was also about challenging the labels often attached to people who have faced serious illness or personal challenges.

“These women help others and make an impact on strangers’ lives,” she says. “But they are more than their job title and more than their medical journey. They are women with families, interests and hobbies who show up every day in all aspects of their lives.”

The series offers a reminder that behind every role in emergency care is a person with their own life, experiences and story.

Meet the muses

Lee

Lee has spent 28 years as a paramedic with St John and now works as an Operations Manager. Alongside raising two children, she has faced profound personal challenges including multiple miscarriages and diagnoses of thyroid and breast cancer. Through it all, she credits the support of family, friends and colleagues for helping her continue to serve the community.

Orlagh

Orlagh is a Communications Officer answering Triple Zero (000) calls, helping guide people through some of their most stressful moments. A mum to two teenage boys and stepmum to a daughter, she underwent extensive treatment after being diagnosed with breast cancer at 42. Today she finds meaning in being the calm voice people hear when they need help most.

Rhonda

Rhonda has served as a paramedic with St John for 23 years while also being a wife, mum and nanna. Diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma at 44, she underwent surgery and chemotherapy before returning to the role she loves. Now based in the south-west, she continues to wear the green uniform and values the trust placed in paramedics during people’s most vulnerable moments.

Emma

Emma has worked as a paramedic with St John for 13 years. At just 24, while completing her Ambulance Officer training, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent extensive treatment including multiple surgeries. Despite ongoing health impacts, she continues to build her career in paramedicine and takes pride in supporting patients and colleagues.

Emelie

Originally from Sweden, Emelie is approaching 10 years as a paramedic with St John and is a proud solo mum to her young son. During the paramedic recruitment process she was diagnosed with metastatic HER2 breast cancer and underwent extensive treatment. She went on to complete the Ambulance Officer Program and now balances paramedicine, motherhood and a love of travel and the outdoors.

Annie

Annie has worked as a paramedic with St John for 13 years and is known for her energy, curiosity and love of animals. At 24 she was diagnosed with sarcoma, requiring major surgery and months of recovery. During that time she decided to become a paramedic and has since built a career centred on helping patients and supporting her colleagues.

Tania

Tania is a dual registered nurse and paramedic who has worked with St John for 18 years, after first volunteering for six. Diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer at 41, she underwent major surgery and lengthy treatment before returning to the road. Even as she faces further treatment today, she remains deeply committed to patient care, family and community.