Remote fit testing program boosts respiratory safety at St John WA

A new safety initiative that allows for the remote fit testing of St John WA’s workforce is now being rolled out in regional areas. 

While St John’s Respiratory Team will still visit sub centres and regional offices on a year-round testing schedule, a new transportable set up will allow them to capture any team members who cannot attend in-person sessions.  

Hailed as ‘convenient’ and ‘effective’ by volunteers, the team can ensure they are increasing the number of people being tested while managing staff resource and operating costs. 

Respirator fit testing is an important procedure that ensures a respirator properly fits the user and provides the intended level of protection against respiratory hazards – a vital safety requirement for St John teams when interacting with the public. 

Fit testing must be completed yearly for paramedics and transport staff and every two years for volunteers. 

The program utilises a purpose-built “remote fit testing station,” designed to be straightforward for regional team members to assemble with minimal instruction.

The suitcase-sized package can easily be couriered to regional and remote locations and set up by staff onsite. 

A qualified fit tester based in St John’s head office in Belmont will then join the remote session and conduct the test online via Microsoft Teams.  

The program has been developed by the in-house team over the past year, with the first tests done in October.  

A pilot session in Nyabing in the Great Southern region saw four volunteers successfully tested with a second run in Geraldton adding another 13.  

“Being able to complete this via an online fit tester, rather than having one come out to the regions, made it easier to complete,” one volunteer said.  

“The timings of the fit testing were more flexible than having to come in during a set 9-5 block of time or having to travel to a larger regional centre.” 

Fit testing compliance for country volunteers currently sits at 59.1%, with a target of reaching 80% with the roll-out of this new initiative. 

“This is a great tool to capture people we might miss during our in-person visits to regional and remote locations around Western Australia,” St John WA’s Respiratory Protection Advisor, Sarah Borig, said. 

“The Remote Fit Testing Program showcases St John WA’s commitment to embracing practical solutions that strengthen safety and efficiency, while supporting the needs of regional team members.  

“Teams are finding the remote fit testing station easy to use so far and we’re excited to continue rolling it out.” 

The Fit Testing team has tested more than 4000 people at St John WA in 2025. 

Learn more about our respiratory fit testing service for external businesses and individuals.