South West paramedics celebrate milestone
Doing any job for 30 years is a pretty good achievement, but for two St John WA paramedics, reaching three decades of service has extra special meaning.
Christine Hunter and Wayne Cranstoun were in the same graduating cohort of paramedics in 1992.
Thirty years later, they are the sole remaining active officers from their group.
Wayne, who was a teacher before signing up to St John, has spent the past 16 years looking after the people of Busselton, while Christine, who was a registered nurse, has been based in Pinjarra for more than 20 years.
“I haven’t looked back,” Wayne said.
The pair agreed working in the country had many positives, including being able to see the fruits of their labour.
“In the city you tend not to see your patients ever again,” Wayne said.
“But working in a country town, you see a lot of people again in the streets.
“It gives me a good feeling in the heart and brings a tear to the eyes.”
Christine agreed the relationship with her patients was special.
“It’s always a nice feeling to help someone,” she said.
Both paramedics praised those who put up their hands up to volunteer for St John and their regional communities.
“We couldn’t do this job in the country without them,” Christine said.
Find out more about volunteering for your community www.stjohnwa.com.au/changelives/volunteer
