Celebrating mentorship and community this International Paramedics Day

This International Paramedics Day, St John WA (SJWA) celebrates the spirit of the unity and community theme by spotlighting our University and Industry Engagement Program.

Led from our Belmont hub, the initiative connects paramedic mentors with students from Notre Dame and Edith Cowan Universities.

Every day of the year, two dedicated mentoring ambulances are on the road enabling students and observers into frontline response crews across metro and regional. 

In addition, some supported shifts take place in St John WA’s State Control Centre where emergency calls are handled and response vehicles are dispatched.

The initiative supported 600 university supporter shifts in 2024 using a single mentoring vehicle.

It has now grown with supported shift numbers expected to reach more than 1700 in 2025.

SJWA Paramedic Jane Jennings has been with St John WA for over a decade.

She says while helping patients is at the heart of the job, helping each other as colleagues in service is just as important.

“Everyone thinks it’s all about helping people outside, which of course it is,” Jane said.

“But a huge part of our job is helping each other – supporting and boosting one another so we can go and do that work.”

Jane is one of the founding members of SJWA’s SIMEX Club, a peer-led initiative designed to support paramedics at every stage of their career. 

Originally imagined as a small training group, it quickly grew to include more than 250 members and 25 volunteer facilitators. 

The club provides hands on learning in a controlled, simulated environment. 

SJWA Paramedic mentor Nick Wagstaff says the program offers students vital insight into the realities of the role.

“Studying paramedicine is very different from working as a paramedic,” he said. “I hope they come away knowing what the career is actually about – the real day-to-day.

“This job can be challenging. Having a good group of people around you makes all the difference.

“We share knowledge, tips and support and it makes us better mentors, and better paramedics.”

Observers gain more than just a ride-along and students get hands-on, real-world experience. The program offers:

• Mentorship from experienced paramedics selected not just for clinical excellence, but for their leadership and teaching qualities
• Exposure to diverse healthcare settings, trauma, and teamwork
• Practical insights into the challenges and rewards of life on the road. 

SJWA team members can also experience what frontline paramedics do each day, an experience that fosters greater understanding, empathy, and a shared sense of purpose.

SJWA Health Alliance Engagement Manager Michael Moore said hosting internal observers from other areas of the organisation has helped build understanding and strengthen teamwork.

“When people from other parts of the business come out with us, they see how their work connects to ours,” Michael said.

“It helps us work better together for each other, and for the people we serve.”

Learn more about International Paramedics Day.