St John 2022 Volunteer of the Year – Country Operations: Michael Napier

• Tom Price/Paraburdoo Sub Centre and Branch Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Michael Napier named St John Volunteer of the Year,
• Mr Napier has served 19 years as an EMT and attends more than 100 emergency callouts per year,
• Mr Napier was recognised for his excellent rapport in first aid training sessions which supports the next generation of potential EMTs.

St John WA has recognised Volunteer of the Year in Country Operations Michael Napier for his generosity of spirit and excellence in the field when serving the Pilbara communities of Tom Price and Paraburdoo.

The St John Tom Price and Paraburdoo response locations attend between 700 and 800 jobs and first aid events per year, with Mr Napier attending more than 100 of those jobs, as well as sitting on the Tom Price Sub Centre board as the Vice Chair and making himself available for every training session in both locations.

Mr Napier takes over from decorated and high-profile Ravensthorpe Chairperson Wendy Price who last year participated in the organisation’s first ever Statewide recruitment campaign, Looking for Legends. He was named winner at the annual St John Experience recognition ceremony. The awards recognise sub centres and individuals across the state who go above and beyond to support the services St John delivers.

Mr Napier not only commits to a large number of jobs and committee appointments, he also uses his days off to tend to the maintenance of the Tom Price building and vehicles, or host friendly get-togethers between the response locations to ensure team and community cohesion.

Mr Napier’s knowledge and skills as a senior Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) has helped countless residents, while fostering incredible interpersonal relationships with all the local volunteers, nurses and State Emergency Services personnel.

Mr Napier has dedicated 19 years of volunteering to St John, including teaching children how to do emergency first reponse observations and taking them through simulated exercises to help develop the next generation of EMTs.

St John WA Chief Executive Officer Antony Smithson congratulated Mr Napier for his service to his colleagues and community.

“Having served St John for nearly 20 years, Michael is highly regarded as a professional and caring EMT, and we thank him for all the selfless hours he commits to serving his community,” Mr Smithson said.

“He is a Member of the Order of St John and a wonderful ambassador for our organisation.”

St John WA Head of Country Ambulance Justin Fonte said Mr Napier’s dedication for almost two decades was testament to his community spirit and invaluable to ensuring safe and resilient communities across WA.

“People like Michael – or Tiny, as he is affectionately known – make a massive difference to their community. After this length of time on the job, you become more than just a volunteer. You become a teacher, a motivator and a true leader,” Mr Fonte said.

“Michael embodies all the St John WA values and principles, with his welcoming attitude to newcomers, endless local knowledge and holding himself to a high standard of care for patients and colleagues.”