Hunt on for team members keen to bring First Aid skills in country WA
St John WA First Aid Trainers in country WA have joined a campaign to attract more people to join as trainers to and ensure people can learn the skills they need close to where they live to potentially save a life.
More than a dozen First Aid Trainer positions are available in the Wheatbelt, Goldfields and Kimberley regions to expand the number of courses available to local people.
St John WA Country First Aid Manager, Dan Andrew, said the current demand for first aid training surpasses capacity due to the limited number of regional trainers.
“We’ve resorted to dispatching trainers from Perth, at times to keep up administering vital first aid education to regional and remote communities,” Mr Andrew said.
“The goal is to have First Aid Trainers strategically located in all our regional centres. We know people come to these centralised locations for other essential services, so to have a local who is a part of the community delivering our training would be fantastic.”
St John WA provides free online short courses which cover First Aid basics, but Mr Andrew said there was no substitute for knowing how to deliver quality CPR and being up-to-date with the latest changes in First Aid best practice.
“We can provide key knowledge and exposure to first aid scenarios, but we need local community members with a passion for educating the community.”
Becoming a St John WA First Aid Trainer is not just about the opportunity to deliver first aid, but the opportunities to make a significant impact on the local community and professional development available to trainers to work alongside other areas of St John WA.
“St John WA also offers the chance to gain new skills in advanced first aid techniques, emergency management and leadership skills. There are many different roles that all contribute to the outcomes of a first aid emergency”, Mr Andrew said.
Three existing trainers joined the statewide recruitment push.
Esperance – Nola George
Nola George is semi-retired and loves to travel. She says one of the aspects she loves the most about being a First Aid Trainer is opportunities to travel to other areas and share her first aid skills.
“Being an avid camper and traveller, I appreciate the opportunity to explore remote areas within the Goldfields and other regions. The flexibility in my role has allowed me to travel as far as Broome and conduct courses there,” said Ms George.
“Initial training is flexible, taking into account someone’s background and knowledge. If you come from a first aid or healthcare background, for example, the training can be tailored to you, and St John WA offers incredible mentoring programs to ensure trainers are confident in delivering these important skills,” she added.
Nola has been a valuable member of the St John WA team since 1993, serving as a Trainer and Ambulance Officer and said the First Aid Trainer role is incredibly rewarding.
“Teaching children about treating a snake bite and later hearing that a little boy, when bitten, calmed his mother down because he remembered what I taught him, is why I love this job,” Ms. George shared.
Geraldton – Rachael Robinson
Geraldton local Rachael Robinson said when a friend told her about the work of St John WA and the ability to play such an important role in the local community she was inspired to explore becoming a First Aid Trainer.
“As a certified scuba instructor by trade I’ve always had a passion for first aid. What I appreciate about my role as a First Aid Trainer is the flexibility it provides, I can seamlessly work my role around my other work and personal life,” said Ms Robinson.
“Being a First Aid Trainer is a diverse role. I have the opportunity to travel to various communities, including mine sites, rural farming companies, schools and wide range of other businesses and community groups.”
“I love teaching a wide range of people as it allows me to contextualise first aid to different needs. The work varies significantly, transitioning from farm and mine site environments to office-based settings.”
Broome – Anna Knecht
North West Training Coordinator Anna Knecht said there is a critical role played by First Aid Trainers, bridging the gap between calling for help and the arrival of medical assistance.
“The Northwest, with its vast and remote locations, presents challenges for ambulances to reach those in need swiftly,” Ms Knecht said.
“Having more First Aid Trainers would enable us to engage with additional communities, delivering first aid skills and fostering resilient communities across the Northwest.”
Ms Knecht said St John WA also works with the trainers’ needs, acknowledging that flexibility is a significant aspect of being a trainer.
“Many trainers have flexible arrangements which allows them to manage other aspects of their lives, underscoring the necessity for more trainers to maintain this balance,” she said.
If you are interested in becoming a First Aid Training, you can apply at the St John WA website: https://stjohnwa.com.au/changelives/employment/employed/first-aid-trainer
