Darren Hodge
Born in Melbourne’s Western suburbs. From the earliest age he yearned for a career as a paramedic after being inspired a neighbour. At the age of 21 he achieved his dream.
After 15 years as a paramedic he achieved his ultimate career goal, joining Air Ambulance - working on both fixed and rotary wing aircraft. He describes the role as extreme, attending the sickest and most seriously injured patients. This role that has seen him in the waters of Bass Straight, the deep Victorian bush and on top of the highest snow covered mountains, all to help a person in need.
He regards his experiences working with highly talented paramedics, pilots and crewman at Air Ambulance as a career highlight, “To work in a team of people committed to helping a patient in crisis, is a privilege. To know that your team has played a small part in saving a life, there can be no greater reward”.
Life in, and connection to, Hobsons Bay
Darren moved into Newport with his wife and young child in tow in 2000, a second child was to follow.
Raising two boys in a community that offers many opportunities soon saw the family heavily involved with local, cricket, football and lacrosse.
Darren’s relationship with Hobsons Bay goes beyond living in the community. As a young paramedic he began working at the Altona ambulance station in 1990 and soon graduated to the intensive care ambulance that serves the area in 1992. He worked in this there until 2002 when he joined the Air Ambulance and now serves a much larger area.
Works
A Life on the Line, (2019) Wilkinson Publishing.