Paramedic settles into his new role in Newman

Newman's newest paramedic is settling into his new role with St John Ambulance and adjusting to life in the Pilbara.

Luke Fowles started as the community paramedic on January 2, and said he was "loving the new job".

"I'm absolutely loving it out here, it's a lot different from metro work," he said. "Now that I've settled up here, I know the volunteers a bit better and the training is going really well."

Mr Fowles is the only paid paramedic at the Newman station and is responsible for the day-to-day running of operations as well as looking after about 30 volunteers.

He took over the position from Chris Hopkins, who was in the role for five years.

He said that although St John was a not-for-profit organisation, part of his wages was paid by the State Government.

The 30-year-old trained for four years to become a qualified paramedic through Edith Cowan University, and recently his wife Nikki joined him in the East Pilbara's largest town.

Mrs Fowles said she was also enjoying the change of scenery.

She spoke to the _North West Telegraph _ while her husband was called away to treat a crush injury sustained at the Newman Rodeo.

"They told me it was red, hot and small," she said.

"But everyone's been very, very friendly."

Mr Fowles also treated patients with abdominal pains and other minor injuries.

"He got bucked off, he was actually riding one of the small bulls - I still call it a big bull, I wouldn't get on it that's for sure," he said.

"He came down and hurt his humerus and his upper arm.

"We gave him an ice pack and he's all good."

The Newman substation is always looking for more volunteers, and anyone who is interested can call Mr Fowles on 0427 825 285.