JOSH Kardol was born in Albury, NSW and lived in the regional city until he moved to Beechworth in 2015 where he has lived with his family since then.
What do you do workwise?
This year I have been studying full-time nursing with an end goal to bridge into paramedicine. I currently also work casually at Asylum Ghost Tours as a paranormal guide and am a local volunteer ambulance community officer (ACO) for Ambulance Victoria. I’ll be starting a new line of work in the new year as a disability support worker while I complete my studies.
What brought you to your role/career?
I have always had an interest in health, but I had a little bit of a kickstart when I responded to a call as a GoodSam responder (a free smartphone app that alerts responders to someone nearby in cardiac arrest) linked to Triple Zero (000). Ambulance Victoria staff asked if I had thought about applying for a position as an ambulance community officer. This is what has led me to what I do today and where I would like to go with my career.
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What do you love about your work?
I love helping people and the community. When someone is in need or if I am able to help people out I will. Being on the job or placement I like talking to people and listening to their stories as everyone has one to tell, while also assisting them with their needs at that time. Sometimes just listening to someone makes the world of difference when things get tough.
What do you do in the community?
I volunteer with the Beechworth Fire Brigade (CFA) and Ambulance Victoria as an ambulance community officer (ACO). With the CFA I enjoy the camaraderie we have as a brigade, and when we get out into the community. We have a laugh with each other, but we also have a serious side as we protect the community. Sometime this means we step into situations most people would avoid hence why we train so hard and regularly. As an ACO working alongside paramedics and assisting patients when they need help, as mentioned earlier is the reason why I have chosen to head back to study.
Is there an important community issue that you think needs addressing?
The only thing that I am aware of is the bridge at the bottom of the Rising Sun Creek and the single lane just after Wooragee. The road has been like that for a while now. I’m not aware of any updates for any works that may have been completed.
What do you see as one of the most important current world issues?
The day-to-day extremely high costs of living such as fuel, electricity, gas and food. But we also forget that innocent people are caught up in wars overseas.
If the person you would most like to meet came to Indigo Shire (past or present), or was already here, who would that be, what would you show them, and why?
I would like to meet Gabriel Iglesias also known as the Fluffy Guy. He is a hilarious American comedian and actor. I would show him around Beechworth's Historic Precinct as well as take him to some of the great restaurants in town.
What book are you reading?
‘The Clinical Reasoning Cycle’ by Tracy Levett Jones – for part of my uni course.
