St John Academy in Northam steps back in time
Young people from the St John Academy in Northam have taken a deep dive into the history and evolution of first aid training and ambulance response this semester.
Months of hands-on learning culminated in a special evening at the Northam Sub Centre on June 30, where items from St John WA’s heritage collection were on display for Academy team members and their families.
They explored historic first aid kits, training equipment and manikins, with some even getting the chance to try on St John uniforms from different eras.
The St John Academy develops 12-17-year-olds as community leaders, equipping them with life-saving skills and a strong foundation for future healthcare careers.
14-year-old Khloie, who hopes to become a paramedic, found the evening “fun and interesting” while 16-year-old Lilly was excited to learn something new.
“It’s been so interesting to learn about the rich history of the organisation – I had no idea St John was so old,” Lilly said.
Northam Academy division leaders Tash Clements and Steven Douglas both have long histories with their local ambulance service.
Tash started out as a St John volunteer 20 years ago, and Steven has been involved for 43 years.
Advances in life-saving technology, digital communications, and research have transformed emergency response in their time.
From being involved in the early cadet programs to starting up the recent Academy, as well as being on-road volunteers in Northam, Tash and Steven have witnessed the evolution first-hand.
“While the equipment and everything has changed, the concept of what we do is still the same,” Steven said.
“The basics are still there, but we have much better outcomes now,” Tash said.
“I think it’s important for anyone in healthcare to understand how things progress.
“For young people, it can give them the drive to be part of that development and history.
“I’ve seen how far things have come in the 20 years I’ve been involved, so imagine where they will be in the next 20.”
The St John Academy in Northam is taking expressions of interest for upcoming semesters.
