Recruits: Paramedics

Recruits: Paramedics

Company type	Television series
Industry	Television
Founded	October 6, 2011 (2011-10-06)
Headquarters	Australia
Products	Television program

Recruits: Paramedics is an Australian factual television series that debuted on Network Ten on 6 October 2011. The show chronicles the professional journeys of novice paramedics in Australia, highlighting their initial eight-week theoretical training alongside their early frontline experiences. It provides a detailed look into the demanding environment faced by paramedics, capturing recruits as they transform their dedication to saving lives into practical action. So far, 13 episodes have been broadcast.

Featured recruits

• Rebecca Begnell - 35, previously a care sales supervisor
• Carleigh Dunn - 21, formerly employed in an office role
• Blake Field - 21, ex-lifeguard
• Jenna Howell - 24, formerly a veterinary assistant
• Reynir Potter - 25, part-time firefighter before joining
• Danielle Stroinec - 27, previously worked as a bookseller
• Evan Terry - former IT programmer
• Dan Versluis - ex-nurse
• John Williams - 24, previously a gym attendant and firefighter

DVD release

The entire series of 13 episodes was made available on DVD starting 1 November 2012.

Episodes

Episode	Summary	Detailed Description
Episode 1	Jenna and mentor Cleone respond to an elderly man experiencing cardiac arrest John and mentor Jordan assist a critically ill 26-year-old woman Reynir faces challenges managing cardiac arrest simulations at college || After completing an eight-week theory course, graduation day arrives for 50 trainees. Jenna leaves her veterinary assistant position to pursue paramedicine; her initial shift involves a cardiac arrest scenario. John embarks on his career by attending to a severe fever case. Meanwhile, Reynir undergoes a simulated heart attack test at college, underscoring the intensity of their training.
Episode 2	Dan handles his first hit-and-run incident John treats a patient experiencing psychosis Jenna manages a severe laceration patient who refuses treatment Blake discovers how minor errors can impact outcomes during college sessions | Night shifts commence in Sydney for the trainees. Dan deals with a hit-and-run accident on a busy street; John and mentor Jordan respond to a psychotic individual; Jenna treats a glassing victim reluctant to leave a party. Blake learns about the significance of small mistakes during practical exercises.
Episode 3	John attends to a car crash involving an elderly driver Jenna encounters death after finding a deceased woman Students receive uniforms and practice stretcher handling | John responds to his first vehicle accident call; Jenna discovers a woman who has been deceased for days; trainees receive uniforms and begin learning stretcher techniques, realizing the physical demands despite excitement over new gear.
Episode 4	John treats an OC spray victim following a brawl Carleigh assists an unconscious bleeding woman in a park Rebecca manages an aggressive patient situation John responds to his first suicide attempt call | John takes lead treatment during an OC spray incident; Carleigh attends to an unconscious woman; Rebecca applies de-escalation skills with hostile patients; John faces his initial suicide attempt response.
Episode 5	Jenna supports a first-time mother in labour John responds to a high-priority overdose case Carleigh manages an emergency involving heart complications College students receive childbirth training | Blake faces challenges during childbirth training; Jenna assists a labouring mother; John handles an overdose case in King Cross; Carleigh addresses urgent care for a man collapsing due to heart issues.
Episode 6	Evan starts his first shift responding to a car accident Jenna cares for an epileptic seizure patient Reynir observes his first attempted suicide call | Transitioning from IT to paramedics on Sydney’s rural outskirts, Evan tackles his initial serious accident response. Jenna manages an unconscious seizure patient. Reynir begins observation shifts involving confronting cases such as attempted suicide.
Episode 7	Evan attends his first car accident scene Rebecca treats injuries from a Kings Cross brawl John assists at an aged care facility after a fall Trainees practice vehicle extraction techniques | Evan acquires critical vehicle extraction skills; Rebecca confronts urban violence injuries; John gains experience with elderly care incidents; recruits train for emergency vehicle rescues crucial for patient safety.
Episode 8	Evan responds to cardiac arrest at a medical office Jenna manages injuries from a party brawl | Evan participates in high-pressure cardiac arrest intervention requiring precise expertise. Jenna navigates violence-related injuries during holiday street parties.
Episode 9	Rebecca assists a young girl with breathing difficulties Evan treats severe injuries from a car rollover Trainees undergo CPR skill assessments | Rebecca handles emotionally charged pediatric respiratory distress cases; Evan leads care at serious crash scenes; students face final CPR competency evaluations essential for certification.
Episode 10	Jenna attends pedestrian collision incident Rebecca supports terminal cancer patient experiencing pain Trainees prepare for trauma assessments | Before road placements, trainees engage in major trauma simulations. Jenna manages complex pedestrian accident cases involving hidden injuries. Rebecca draws motivation from assisting end-of-life patients.
Episode 11	Blake prepares for final assessments Reynir begins first shift handling unpredictable drug overdose cases | Blake confronts critical final exams prior to workforce entry. Reynir’s initial fieldwork includes managing volatile overdose situations, highlighting frontline unpredictability.
Episode 12	Blake starts shifts responding to suspected swine flu cases Rebecca aids collapsed woman potentially drugged John manages multi-vehicle collision involving five cars | Blake tackles respiratory distress emergencies early in his career. Rebecca addresses possible drug-related assault incidents. John gains experience managing complex multi-car accidents.
Episode 13	Reynir responds to cardiac arrest at train station Jenna, Evan, Rebecca, and John complete three months of on-road training | Reynir encounters his first real cardiac arrest requiring defibrillator use—a vital milestone given low survival rates outside hospital settings. Four recruits conclude their initial mentorship periods as they prepare for full paramedic duties.