Volunteering with the State Emergency Service (SES)

APC Diploma of Paramedical Science Graduate

(Superseded by Diploma of Emergency Health Care)

Erin Eames

The State Emergency Service (SES) is a rescue organisation run by volunteers. Their primary role is providing help and assistance to the community when storm damage occurs. In some rural areas of Australia, the SES are also the primary rescue service (in lieu of police or fire service).

As a Deputy Rescue Officer in the SES, Erin’s (featured) main role is to maintain the currency of the team member’s knowledge and skills, scoping out who is needed on the team; and mentoring of new members.

In the video below, Erin talks about some of the top qualities the SES look for in their volunteers. While there are no specific skills or experience needed to be a volunteer, the SES are open to hearing from people with different types of qualifications and/or skills to add to the diverse rescue volunteer roster.

Rescue members are required to be on-call for one full weekend each month. This means they must be available and ready to attend any call outs for the duration of the weekend.

There is also formal training on Tuesday nights, this can be anything from storm rescue, fire training, learning to tie knots and much more.

The Diploma of Paramedical Science (superseded by the Diploma of Emergency Health Care_ is a very sought-after skill in rescue service providers. It delivers Advanced Life Support (ALS) skills which are often needed in extreme rescue situations.


Study pre-hospital emergency health care qualifications online at APC; with the aid of clinical workshops as well as online and phone support from trainers and educators. Enjoy unlimited access to a student success team who are always ready to help and assist. Although paramedical pathway courses can be studied online; APC fosters a vibrant and passionate community which encourages students to engage and help one another.

Choose from three pre-hospital emergency health care qualifications.

HLT51020 – Diploma of Emergency Health Care

HLT41120 – Certificate IV in Health Care

HLT31120 – Certificate III in Non-emergency Patient Transport

What is your career journey?

To discover how you can become a fully qualified Ambulance Paramedic or Basic/Advanced Life Support Medic, complete a personalised paramedical career development plan.