Thirty years ago, Ambulance Victoria hired its first female paramedics. Now 47 per cent of paramedics are female, a figure expected to rise.

Chief executive officer Tony Walker said in 10 years women would likely outnumber men. 

“It’s been an exciting time and the diversity across our organisation makes it much stronger,” he said.

Minister for Ambulance Services Jill Hennessy said females made up 57 per cent of graduate paramedic applicants – a change likely to flow-through to the organisation.

Over her career in Melbourne and Wodonga MICA paramedic Michaela Malcolm has saved countless lives, delivered six babies and met a man she helped bring back from a cardiac arrest. 

Despite that, she still faces questions from people in the community about her ability to do the job.

“Recently I was working as a single responder and went out to an elderly lady late at night,” Ms Malcolm said.

“The first thing she said after I introduced myself was ‘oh dear what does your husband think about you being out so late at night by yourself?’”

Ms Malcolm said she meets people in stressful times and does not take comments personally.

She said a huge amount had been achieved in 30 years.

“14 years ago when I joined it wasn’t a big deal,” she said.

Ms Malcolm said her classes and workplaces were filled with women. 

She said it was exciting that more women were becoming paramedics. 

“In any role women now feel more capable, they can do anything,” she said.

“Roles in society have changed and the job is promoted to anyone now, anyone has the opportunity.”

For her, gender was never a factor in her career choice. 

“My dad was a volunteer paramedic in Marysville,” she said.

“He was doing the role while I was in school and being a volunteer he’d be on call from home.

“It always seemed really exciting, seeing him get a page and take off in the middle of the night. 

“That’s what really put the idea in my head, and wanting to help people.”