An Ipswich student inspired by the compassion of ambulance officers on one of the most challenging days of his life is among the first to graduate from USQ’s Bachelor of Paramedicine course.
Jarath Cobroft, 27, was inspired to become a paramedic after his grandfather died of a heart attack 10 years ago.
Ms Cobcroft was 17 when he arrived at his grandfather’s house for a visit only to discover him unconscious lying on the floor.
“He wasn’t breathing so I called the ambulance and was instructed over the phone to do CPR,” Mr Cobcroft said.
“The ambulance arrived really quickly, but once they got there they realised that he had already passed.
“They came in ready to do CPR, defibrillate and give adrenaline. Instead, they gave me kindness, compassion and empathy. They realised I was now their patient, and they made that day just a little bit easier.
“After that experience, I knew I wanted to be a paramedic. I knew I had to pay it back and I already have.”
Originally from Inverell, New South Wales, Mr Cobcroft moved to Ipswich to study Paramedicine at USQ Ipswich.
He was among the first cohort of USQ students to earn a Bachelor of Paramedicine degree and is the first in his family to graduate from university.
Mr Cobcroft said his grandfather was on his mind when he walked across the graduation stage to receive his testamur on Friday, 11 May.
“Whenever I was writing a 2500-word essay or in a really tough exam, I always thought back to the reason why I was at university; to become a paramedic and make pop proud,” he said.
“I’m sure he would be very proud of me.”
Mr Cobcroft started working as a Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) Graduate Paramedic at the Gladstone Ambulance Station shortly after finishing his studies in November and will soon qualify as an Advanced Care Paramedic.
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