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Heartfelt journeys: Inspiring volunteer stories from the Karratha Sub Centre

In the remote and picturesque town of Karratha, Western Australia, volunteers are the lifeline of the community. Among them are dedicated individuals with St John WA (SJWA), who bring their unique backgrounds and an unwavering commitment to ensure the wellbeing of their fellow residents. Amy Pedersen Amy Pedersen has called Karratha home for the past…
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Golfers tee off in support of St John WA volunteers

It’s about as far from St Andrews as a golfer can get, but what Three Springs Golf Club lacks in prestige, it more than makes up for in community spirit and support for its nearest St John WA sub centre. Since 1998, the golf club has hosted an annual fundraising day for the North Midlands…
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‘It takes a system to save a victim’: Resus expert

St John Ambulance Australia’s resuscitation specialist Jason Belcher told the Australian Resuscitation Council WA Branch conference at its July 12 event that “community builds the foundation for survival” when someone experiences an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. “You’re three times more likely to be a survivor if you receive a defibrillation shock in the community,” Mr Belcher…
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International Paramedics Day: Meet the St John WA Special Operations team  

They’re the specialist team called to the most complex emergencies – St John WA’s Special Operations paramedics.    The highly skilled paramedics regularly confront hostile and hazardous environments to rescue patients safely and deliver the lifesaving care they need.   With an expanded clinical scope and specialised training, PSOs respond to difficult situations in diverse and sometimes…
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Volunteer brings first aid knowledge to Australia’s most remote community  

Australia’s most remote Indigenous community has received its first public defibrillator during a visit from a St John WA (SJWA) volunteer.   Teacher and SJWA Dawesville volunteer Jade Maitland-Smith delivered the automated external defibrillator (AED) to Kiwirrkurra last month.   Kiwirrkurra is nestled deep in the Gibson Desert on Pintupi country, about 1200km east of Port Hedland…
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Boyup Brook Sub Centre volunteers roll out free key lock boxes for eligible residents   

Vulnerable Boyup Brook residents can have a key lock box installed at their home for free thanks to a community initiative spearheaded by local St John WA (SJWA) volunteers.     The team at the SJWA Boyup Brook Sub Centre has rallied several local businesses to help fund the program, which has already seen nine key lock…
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Six community defibrillators to be installed along Denmark coast in loving tribute to Perth father

Generous community donations have funded six new life-saving defibrillators to be installed along the Denmark coast in memory of beloved Perth father Andy Rutherford.  Andy, 48, died of cardiac arrest after collapsing on a beach at Denmark’s Elephant Rocks in April 2023. Despite the best efforts of his first aid-trained mates who performed CPR, the…
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Barramundi artwork a vibrant tribute to stunning East Kimberley   

The St John WA (SJWA) Wyndham team is sporting vibrant new training shirts showcasing the creativity of a talented local artist.    The artwork features barramundi swimming in the blue water holes and rivers of the stunning East Kimberley region.    It was created by proud Balanggarra and Gidja woman Khandice French in tribute to…
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Holistic health in the Goldfields thanks to Leonora initiative

Students in some of Western Australia’s most remote areas have taken part in a ‘health literacy’ event organised by a pair of St John WA legends from Leonora. Community paramedic Dave Kennedy and Leonora Sub Centre chair Lupe Tavake wanted to create a holistic experience for local children focusing on various aspects of health, from…
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Action-packed Lights and Sirens Round kicks goals for emergency services

Emergency services took centre stage at Optus Stadium on Sunday at the Fremantle Dockers’ Lights and Sirens Round.   St John WA (SJWA) joined the fun for the first time this year, sharing the spotlight with fellow everyday heroes from WA Police and the Department of Fire and Emergency Services.  The game was an opportunity…
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Check out this terrific trio from St John WA - Karratha.

Amy, Donna, and Pierson have a combined 22 years of volunteering experience with the green team and show no signs of stopping any time soon.

Their dedication to their community is nothing short of incredible.

Thank you for everything you do. 💚

Check out the link in our bio.
The St John WA - Great Southern team look great in their new polos with artwork from Menang Gnudju Noongar artist Kiya Watt. 

The shirts will be worn by team members across the region so keep your eyes out for the striking design. Learn more about the artwork using the link in our bio.
Triple Zero (000) ambulance response continues uninterrupted by the current global IT outage. 

St John WA health centres systems are back online.
For more than 25 years the Three Springs Golf Club has hosted an annual fundraising day for the St John WA - North Midlands Sub Centre.

The event saw 125 golfers hit off this year and raise a whopping $30,000. 

Since it's inception in 1998, the event has raised more than $200,000. 

Learn more about this amazing event and what the funds have contributed to below using the link in our bio.
A+ work Vlad! ❤️

Vlad has reached his 100th blood donation milestone and is increasing St John WA's tally in the @Lifebloodau Emergency Services Blood Drive, where we compete against our mates @dfes_wa and @wa_police.

Vlad's one of our legendary team members who's always giving back, and you'll never see him B-.
The St John WA - Christmas Island team were all hands on desk for the annual Casino to Cove 10km fun run, walk, or bike on the weekend. 

When the team weren't busy supporting the community, they were cheering on participants and taking in the stunning scenery. 🚑
Proud moment for St John WA.

Our very own Resuscitation Improvement Specialist Jason Belcher presented at the Australian Resuscitation Council’s seminar on Strengthening the Chain of Survival today. Jason shared insights on OHCA in WA: The Chain of Survival and represented St John Ambulance Australia as the new ARC representative. Kudos to Head of Wellbeing Safety and Injury Rudi Brits for chairing the seminar. 

Check out the videos that were played at the event using the link in my bio.
Volunteering really takes you places! 

Jenny and Max from St John WA - Dunsborough decided to do a spot of voluntourism last week to help our legends over at St John WA - Kalbarri, and it's been quite the change of scenery for the pair.

When they're not helping out the community, they can be found taking in the sights and sunsets. 

Learn where volunteering can take you using the link in our bio.
Australia’s most remote Indigenous community has received its first public defibrillator.

Volunteer Jade handed over the defibrillator to Kiwirrkurra last month, as part of a program to connect teachers with remote communities. 

As if the defibrillator wasn't awesome enough, she also ran First Aid Focus classes for local school children, before taking the time to show their teachers how to use the new defibrilator.
It's International Paramedics Day! 

Today is an opportunity to recognise and celebrate hardworking paramedics across the globe. This year's theme is #TheDifferenceWeMake, and with St John WA paramedics covering the largest service area in the WORLD, it's pretty clear they make a massive impact. 🌏 

Whether it's spearheading initiatives like STORC and the CONVO Australia partnership, assisting and training volunteers in the country, saving lives, or being a calming presence during a crisis, the difference our paramedics make every day is immense. 

To all our paramedics past and present, thank you for all you do. 💚
It’s NAIDOC Week, a week to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 

One way St John WA strives to celebrate First Nations peoples and culture is with the introduction of Acknowledgement of Country signs across our various locations. 

The signs feature unique artwork to highlight the local region with nine being installed since the installations began in 2023. 

We look forward to more of the signs appearing across St John WA buildings across the state.
St John WA Boyup Brook have made their community that little bit safer by enabling vulnerable residents to have lock boxes installed at their homes for free. 

The initiative saw the team rally several local businesses to help fund the program, which has already seen nine key lock boxes installed across town. 

Learn more about the big impact these little boxes will have here: https://news.stjohnwa.com.au/boyup-brook-sub-centre-volunteers-roll-out-free-key-lock-boxes-for-eligible-residents/
Congratulations to our latest group of paramedic interns who've completed their complex skills course. 💚 🚑

This is the final course along the way to being promoted to fully fledged paramedics.
Students from across the remote Goldfields region gained vital health knowledge at an inspiring community event earlier this year created by a pair of St John WA legends from Leonora.

Community paramedic Dave Kennedy and Leonora Sub Centre chair Lupe Tavake wanted to host an event to empower local children and help address gaps in Indigenous health.

Read more about Warnkarunku Day using the link in our bio.
Check out St John WA Wyndham's new team training shirts featuring gorgeous original artwork by talented local artist Khandice French. 

A proud Balanggarra and Gidja woman, Khandice was inspired by her fond memories of barramundi fishing in the Pentecost, Ord and King Rivers. 

The team couldn't be more stoked to be sporting the design that perfectly captures the East Kimberley region they serve.
Congratulations to our new paramedic interns who have completed the medic phase of their careers. 

This milestone brings them one step closer to becoming fully qualified paramedics. 🚑

We wish you all the best. 💚
All this rainy weather has had some upsides, like this stunning double rainbow. 🌈

Rain, hail or shine, the green team is ready to roll no matter the weather.

Cheers to Phil from Event Health Services for sending this in! 📸
The beautiful Denmark coast is set to gain six new life-saving defibrillators in memory of beloved Perth father of two Andy Rutherford thanks to an inspiring community fundraising initiative. 

After Andy suffered a cardiac arrest at Elephant Rocks in 2023, @South Beach Boardies created a very special pair of boardshorts in his honour.

Profits from the sales of the vibrant boardies were generously put towards funding new defibrillators for Denmark, the Rutherford family’s home away from home. 

On Monday, Andy’s wife Renae and sons Maxton and Fraser were reunited with the St John WA volunteers who fought to save Andy’s life and together unveiled a plaque in his honour.

Read more about the moving moment using the link in our bio.
It was an action-packed day at Optus Stadium on Sunday as our green team assembled for St John WA’s first Lights and Sirens Round.

The epic event was all about celebrating the frontline heroes working around the clock to keep WA safe.

The purple army welcomed SJWA crews with open arms as they had their turn in the spotlight before settling in to watch Fremantle Dockers triumph over Gold Coast Suns.

Check out the link in our bio for more.
Today is St John’s Day and we’re celebrating 140 years of St John in Australia. 

A lot has changed in that time, but one thing’s for sure - St John will always be there for the community and the service of humanity.
It’s GO-time! ⏰

Our little legends and green team are gearing up for the Lights and Sirens Emergency Services Round cheering on the @freodockers today at @optusstadium. Stay tuned for all the action outside the stadium as the excitement builds this game day. 🏉
Less than 24 hours to go! 

Kura Bear and the green team can't wait to join the action alongside @dfes_wa and @wa_police in tomorrow's @freodockers Lights and Sirens Round for emergency services, where the Dockers ⚓ will go head-to-head with the @gcsuns ☀️.

Come and say g'day at one of the many activations outside @optusstadium before match madness.

Today we remember and honour the service and sacrifice of those who have served our nation. We acknowledge those who are no longer with us, those who came home changed by their experience, and those who continue to serve. We remember their bravery and struggles, and for those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, ‘At the going down of the sun and in the morning. We will remember them’. https://brnw.ch/21wJ9dv

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Event Health Services (EHS) met a fan who was paws-itively obsessed with the green team over the weekend. 🐶 The perky pup certainly wasn't barking up the wrong tree as the team are always happy to meet all members of the community while on shift. Puppy cuddles are just one of the many perks of being a member of the EHS team. Check out the rest ➡️https://stjohnwa.com.au/changelives/volunteer/metro/event-health-officer

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A Northam footy legend is gearing up for his history-making 450th game this season thanks to life saving first aid. Wade Hunter went from playing footy to fighting for his life when he went into sudden cardiac arrest during a game in 2023. Thanks to the quick actions of those around him he's now back in action, kicking goals both on and off the field. Learn more about his remarkable survival here: https://news.stjohnwa.com.au/northam-footy-legend-back-in-the-game-after-sudden-cardiac-arrest/

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This year marks two decades since the class of 2004 officially joined the St John WA team A lot of things have changed since then, but for these 16 legends, wearing green isn't one of them. From namesake newborns to long-term friendships, the team shared their highs and lows during their time at SJWA. https://news.stjohnwa.com.au/20-years-in-green-the-highs-the-lows-and-the-in-between/ Thank you to the legends who made this story possible and the remaining '04 cohort for their continued service to the community during the past 20 years 💚

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Nothing beats a Pilbara sunrise 🤩. Thanks to Sarah from the St John WA - Tom Price and Paraburdoo team for sending this in, It's safe to say we're a bit jealous.

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Meet Bob from St John WA - Kalbarri. Brilliant Bob supports the Sub Centre by looking after things behind the scenes. From general ambulance maintenance and dropping off and picking up vans for services/repairs, to maintaining the community defibrillators around town, Bob is always happy to help out with whatever he can. Not all volunteers are on-road, but all volunteers are so important. 💚 Check out the original post and show Bob some love. https://www.facebook.com/481805647325941/posts/836606318512537

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A brand new defibrillator and weather-proof cabinet has been donated to Doon Doon Roadhouse. The life-saving equipment, publicly accessible 24/7, has been donated by St John WA thanks to generous support from the public and partners. Thank you to community paramedics Simon and Cian of St John WA - Wyndham for helping to organise this vital device for the community.

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St John WA - Carnarvon had a brilliant time attending Jamba Nyinayi Festival in Coral Bay alongside representatives from St John WA - Dawesville and Perth metro over the weekend. The inaugural Jamba Nyinayi Festival was launched as part of the Total Solar Eclipse in 2023 and saw a staggering 1,500+ in attendance, meaning it just had to be on the calendar for 2024. It's a unique opportunity for the Baiyungu community to invite people of all cultures, communities and nationalities to “come together” and experience indigenous arts and culture. It's something we're proud to be a part of. 💚 Learn more about the festival ⬇️ and perhaps we'll see you there in 2025. https://jnfestival.com.au/

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Our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected by the devastating attack in Bondi over the weekend, and our deepest sympathies go to the family and friends of the victims and injured. Our hearts are with NSW Ambulance, NSW Police Force, bystanders, staff, and shoppers who showed incredible bravery when faced with the unimaginable. This incident has impacted the nation and we encourage anyone in distress to please seek help. Lifeline is available 24/7 on 13 11 14. Please seek help if needed.

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St John WA is proud to partner with Convo Australia. We've been working together to ensure ALL members of the WA community have access to our vital service, and look forward to seeing the impact the partnership will have on pre-hospital care in WA. Learn more https://news.stjohnwa.com.au/st-john-wa-launches-australia-first-auslan-interpreting-service/

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Today is Auslan Day and we've got some exciting news to share. St John WA is proud to be the first emergency service in Australia to provide Auslan interpreting services for deaf and hard of hearing patients and their families, via our partnership with Convo Australia. CONVO Australia allows ambulance crews and St John WA Health Centres to access certified interpreters in real-time via video call, allowing for better care of patients and their needs whether it's an emergency or general appointment. Learn more about the partnership and how it is helping St John WA to serve all members of the WA community ⬇️ https://news.stjohnwa.com.au/st-john-wa-launches-australia-first-auslan-interpreting-service/ #auslanday #deaflife #auslan

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Sending our love to the Tougher family, friends, and colleagues, and hope everyone smiles and thinks of Steven when they don their own #sillysocks4steve 💚

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Congratulations to our Ambulance Transport Officers who have now commenced on-road duties. 🚑 If you see them out and about remember to treat them with kindness as they serve the WA community. 💚

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Chick this out! 🐣 A good old fashioned Easter bonnet competition is exactly what the team needed after working the Easter long weekend last week. We think they did an egg-ceptional job of celebrating while serving the WA community.

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Shout out to St John WA - Kalbarri volunteer ambulance officer Dan for this epic shot. 📸 He's one of many talented photographers that volunteer for us and we can't wait to see what else he captures for the team in green.

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Meet Peter Geraghty, an unsung hero in the St John WA family, and recently named finalist for the RAC WA Volunteer of the Year award. This legend's been a rock for the St John WA - Kununoppin Sub Centre for a whopping 43 years. Serving as a volunteer ambulance officer and a respected committee member, Peter’s lifelong commitment to rural healthcare in the Wheatbelt is unmatched. He’s been described as someone who shies away from the limelight, preferring to let others shine. That's just the kind of guy he is — selfless, generous, and humble. But this kind of dedication deserves recognition. Hats off to you, Peter. Join us in congratulating Peter in the comments – whether he likes it or not! 👏💚 St John WA - Kununoppin Volunteering WA RAC WA

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Time flies when you're saving lives. 🚑 It's been 22 years since the induction class of 2002 joined the team. During that time they've formed life-long friendships and shared some truly unique experiences. One thing that hasn't changed is their dedication to the people of WA, with 11 members of the group still serving as paramedics more than two decades on. See what they had to say about being a paramedic for more than two decades ⬇️.

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Here's an oldie but a goodie. Take a look at this reminder of how to give way to an ambulance. Following these simple tips will help us help those in need. 🚑

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St John Urgent Care is open this long weekend. The team treat a range of non-life threatening injuries or illnesses on a walk-in basis, for when it's urgent but not an emergency. Our state-of-the-art, purpose built facilities across Perth have been established to handle a range of issues, common treatments include:🦴Sprains or broken bones🩺 X-rays🪡 Stitches & glue for cuts🐜 Insect bites👂🏻Minor eye & ear problems😰 Minor burnsCheck out our opening hours here: https://brnw.ch/21wIm3D

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Stay safe this Easter long weekend, especially on our roads. Take regular breaks, make smart decisions before getting behind the wheel, and remember - you, too can save a life. Doing our free 15 minute online course before heading on your long weekend adventure could make all the difference.

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Kura Bear couldn't resist trying their paw as the Easter bunny today. Kura wishes everyone a happy and safe long weekend, especially all those working to keep our communities safe this long weekend. 💚

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