Volunteer always on duty

When you’ve spent over a decade saving lives, the instinct never really fades.

Philip Groom is a dedicated St John WA volunteer whose experience and calm composure recently made all the difference at his local café.

With 12 years in Event Health Services and currently volunteering with our Community Transport Service, Philip is no stranger to stepping in when it matters most.

In February, while enjoying a quiet coffee at Dôme Café in Maylands, Philip noticed an elderly gentleman at a nearby table suddenly slump forward.

Trusting his instincts and years of training, Philip immediately sprang into action.

“I introduced myself as a St John volunteer, checked his breathing and pulse, and kept him stable until the ambulance arrived,” Phil said.

“I also focused on keeping his wife calm.”

“Reassurance is as important as medical care in those moments.”

This wasn’t the first time Philip had leapt into action over coffee.

Over the years, he’s responded to several incidents at his regular café spot; proof that lifesaving doesn’t clock off.

A former Volunteer Development Officer and Stirling Division Manager with Event Health Services, Phil continues to apply his skills in everyday life.

Now in his ninth year with Community Transport Service, he remains an active part of the Volunteer Advocacy Team (VAT), championing the essential role volunteers play across St John WA.

“My life’s been shaped by volunteering with St John WA,” Phil said.

“Those skills stay with you and become a part of who you are.”

Thank you, Phil, for being a shining example of what it means to live the St John WA values – on and off duty.

Volunteer with St John WA today.