When Graham McGrath became a paramedic in 1988, he was excited for the opportunity to incorporate his two biggest passions - his love for motorsport, and his desire to help people.
Having being a fan of the sport since he was a child and enjoying a seven-year career with Ford during his twenties, McGrath opted for a unique career change from the automotive industry and into healthcare. Despite the career change, his love affair with motorsport never waned.
Now 32-years later, the 60-year-old has spent more than two decades as an intensive care officer where he has seen it all from a professional standpoint, yet has been challenged in these times of COVID-19.
“I think we have suffered from being in isolation, but it could have been much worse, and I saw what it could have been on the front line,” McGrath said.
“The government and the state governments have done a fantastic job. Regardless of what side you’re on, they have done pretty well in the current climate considering what happened in other countries.
“It’s a new environment and I hope we’re going to be okay, although I am still nervous about a second wave. I think the distancing stuff needs to continue and Australians have done great so far.
“As a paramedic, it’s been possibly the most stressful time in my career. What we’re doing could normally have its drama, but now we have to treat everyone as if they are a potential COVID-19 carrier. Although we find it tough now, we will be better in the long run and that’s all that matters.”
McGrath’s caring nature hasn’t just been developed during this isolation period, it’s one he has had since becoming a paramedic in the 1980s and again when he joined Motorsport Safety and Rescue (MSR) in 1998.
Remarkably, it was by chance that McGrath ended up at MSR. When researching the ways to join motorsport as an official, he was given a helping-hand by his children’s orthodontist, who guided him down the right path.
And it was a journey where McGrath’s enthusiasm, passion and knowledge saw him presented with a variety of opportunities. This was highlighted by the once-in-a-lifetime position of being ‘team medic’ for Les Walkden Rallying during Cody Crocker’s first season in the FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship, where he won the first of four consecutive APRC titles
As a buddying competitor too, McGrath has experienced different roles across all levels on motorsport and has enjoyed every minute of it - experiences he hopes to continue for the years to come.
“Working with MSR has allowed me to go watch motorsport from grassroots to international level, and to be actively involved in my passion in some way, shape or form,” McGrath explained.
“Since 1998, I have been heavily involved through rallies and Targas, as well as through the car industry, and it’s been a fantastic journey thus far.
“I honestly think I have had the best of both worlds. I know what it’s like to be sitting in the seat of a competition car knowing the dangers in front of you, but as a paramedic, I understand it’s important to have the expertise to support the competitors and event organisers. If we didn’t have officials like paramedics and fire marshals, or any roles for that matter, then we wouldn’t have been able to compete.
“I got involved as a paramedic to contribute to society, and then got involved in motorsport to incorporate my skills into the sport I loved. It was a way of combining everything all together.
“I have loved my time in the sport and because of the opportunities I have been lucky to have. I can never say motorsport hasn’t been good to me because it’s been awesome. I can’t wait to make more memories.”