Tiffany Buissink

Born and raised in the United States, I completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Performance Theatre but soon realised the need for a more sustainable career. I transitioned to emergency services, joining a combination fire department and ambulance service in my hometown of Walla Walla in the state of Washington. There, I gained extensive hands-on experience managing wildland fires (bushfires), structure fires, and medical emergencies as both a firefighter and an emergency medical technician.

Driven by my family's legacy in education, I earned a Master’s Degree in Secondary Education and taught English, History and Theatre to students from year eight to year twelve. After five years in teaching, I needed a change and worked full-time as a Correctional Officer in a maximum-security state penitentiary. During this time, I also joined the US Army Reserves. Eventually, I transitioned to full-time active duty in the Army, serving as a logistics specialist in a military intelligence unit, working in combat medical roles, and deploying to the Middle East with a combat engineering unit.

Following my military service, I cared for my mother during her recovery from hip replacement surgery and earned multiple PADI scuba diving certifications, including rescue diving. I then moved to Canberra, where I completed a Diploma in Graphic Design while working for a first aid company delivering both accredited and non-accredited first aid and fire courses. Currently, I work part-time as a senior consultant for a training organisation, focusing on education and training.

I was recently honoured with a Certificate of Appreciation from the Australian Federal Police in recognition of my exemplary conduct at the scene of a motor vehicle accident. Demonstrating commendable composure and expertise, I administered immediate CPR to the injured driver and provided essential lifesaving first aid assistance until emergency services arrived. My actions were deemed to reflect a high standard of professionalism, compassion, and dedication to the safety and well-being of the community.

I am passionate about people and committed to sharing my extensive emergency services experience. As the Education and Training Manager, I aim to empower others through education and training, helping them be prepared and confident in critical situations.