Staying well for the long haul

Building identity beyond the uniform

Advice - your identity outside ambulance

Retaining experienced staff

Managing stress and seeking support

When it comes to longevity in emergency services, it’s not just about getting through the job, it’s about staying well for the long haul.

In this episode, Christian shares practical insights on building a sustainable career, from developing an identity beyond the uniform to managing stress and knowing when to reach out for support. He also reflects on what helps people stay and thrive in the profession over time.

If you want to keep showing up well, both on and off the road, this one’s for you.

Learn more:
The science of longevity - The Telomere Effect

Having a hobby outside work and wellbeing

We’d love to hear from you

Have feedback, questions, or ideas for future episodes? Get in touch with the podcast team at AMBULANCE-Wellness@health.nsw.gov.au

Support is always available

If this episode has raised anything for you:
NSW Ambulance staff can access confidential support via Staff Health - Wellbeing resources - Home. This includes the Injury Prevention Specialists/Exercise Physiologists for your individual movement needs or to join our perinatal support group.

Anyone can contact Lifeline, available 24/7 at Home | Lifeline

Shift Happens is brought to you by the Staff Health Team at NSW Ambulance. Executive Producer: Zoe Wooldridge. With subject matter expertise and podcast support from Chloe Larcombe, Richard High, and Annie Hartley. Hosted by Paramedics Katie Horky and Timothy Graham. Technical production by East Coast Studio.

We acknowledge the Wangal people of the Darug Nation as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which this podcast was recorded, and we pay our respects to Elders past and present.

The views and opinions expressed in this content are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the position of NSW Ambulance. Any content provided is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as endorsement or approval by the organisation. For your individual needs please speak to your health professional.

 

 

When it comes to longevity in emergency services, it&rsquo;s not just about getting through the job, it&rsquo;s about staying well for the long haul.
In this episode, Christian shares practical insights on building a sustainable career, from developing an identity beyond the uniform to managing stress and knowing when to reach out for support. He also reflects on what helps people stay and thrive in the profession over time.
If you want to keep showing up well, both on and off the road, this one&rsquo;s for you.
Learn more: <a href="https://www.elissaepel.com/telomere-effect">The science of longevity - The Telomere Effect</a>
<a href="https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/having-a-hobby-tied-to-happiness-and-well-being">Having a hobby outside work and wellbeing</a>
We&rsquo;d love to hear from you
Have feedback, questions, or ideas for future episodes? Get in touch with the podcast team at <a href="mailto: AMBULANCE-Wellness@health.nsw.gov.au">AMBULANCE-Wellness@health.nsw.gov.au</a>
Support is always available
If this episode has raised anything for you: NSW Ambulance staff can access confidential support via Staff Health - Wellbeing resources - Home. This includes the Injury Prevention Specialists/Exercise Physiologists for your individual movement needs or to join our perinatal support group.
Anyone can contact Lifeline, available 24/7 at Home | Lifeline
Shift Happens is brought to you by the Staff Health Team at NSW Ambulance. Executive Producer: Zoe Wooldridge. With subject matter expertise and podcast support from Chloe Larcombe, Richard High, and Annie Hartley. Hosted by Paramedics Katie Horky and Timothy Graham. Technical production by East Coast Studio.
We acknowledge the Wangal people of the Darug Nation as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which this podcast was recorded, and we pay our respects to Elders past and present.
The views and opinions expressed in this content are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the position of NSW Ambulance. Any content provided is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as endorsement or approval by the organisation. For your individual needs please speak to your health professional.
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When your work involves high stakes, long shifts, and constant care for others, your own wellbeing matters more than ever.

Shift Happens is brought to you by the Staff Health team at NSW Ambulance and hosted by paramedics Katie Horky and Timothy Graham. Shift Happens is dedicated to supporting emergency service staff through expert guidance, practical tools, and real stories from the frontline.

Each episode creates space for learning, sharing, and meaningful reflection—helping you make positive changes that last, one episode at a time.

When your work involves high stakes, long shifts, and constant care for others, your own wellbeing matters more than ever.
Shift Happens&nbsp;is brought to you by the Staff Health team at NSW Ambulance and hosted by paramedics Katie Horky&nbsp;and Timothy Graham. Shift Happens&nbsp;is dedicated to supporting emergency service staff through expert guidance, practical tools, and real stories from the frontline.
Each episode creates space for learning, sharing, and meaningful reflection&mdash;helping you make positive changes that last, one episode at a time.