David Truscott applied to NSW Ambulance while studying nursing at university and was happy to be accepted into the paramedics course.

Mr Truscott was already a volunteer deputy captain with his local Rural Fire Service, but will start as a trainee paramedic in Cessnock this week.

“I really want to help people, which is why I ­started a nursing degree,” he said.

“When the applications opened for this job, I jumped at the opportunity to apply and help people outside of hospital.”

Mr Truscott will have to complete three years on-the-job training and complete distance study to ­finish his Diploma of Paramedical Science.

He has already been trained in human anatomy and physiology, patient assessment, medical ­emergencies and treatment, trauma management, maternity, and more.

NSW Ambulance Commissioner David Dutton presented the trainees with their hat badges and wished them well as they started their new careers.