St John Ambulance

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Volunteer Roles - First Aid Services

Join our team of dedicated volunteers who provide first aid services at events

 

As a St John First Aider, you will be taught to deal with a variety of patient needs from applying a simple band-aid through to performing Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). St John provides a comprehensive training program so you do not need any prior knowledge/skills to join.

 

The steps to becoming a St John First Aider:

1. Complete the online application

2. We require details of two referees, to be contacted for reference checks as part of your volunteer application process.

3. Attend a group information/recruitment session

4. Acquire the Nationally Recognised HLTAID003 Provide First Aid Certificate

- You do not need to have the certificate prior to submitting your application. Once your application is approved for progression we will provide you with access to one of our first aid courses FREE OF CHARGE

- If you already have a valid/current HLTAID003 Provide First Aid qualification you can upload your certificate as part of your online application

5. Submit to a National Police Check – Existing checks will not be recognised, all applicants invited to progress will be expected to submit to a new check, the cost of which will be covered by St John

6. Submit to a Working With Children Check – Existing checks will be recognised, all progressing applicants without an existing check will be required to submit to a new volunteer check

7. Provide a suitable photograph for a unique identity card

8. Attend a one day induction session

 

Volunteer Development Pathways

Once part of St John you will have the opportunity to explore and experience a range of specialist and leadership roles, the most common roles being;

St John first aid at events volunteers

FIRST RESPONDERS

are St John volunteers (First Aiders) who have completed additional training and acquired more advanced qualifications. As a result, they are able to practice more advanced first aid skills which in turn mean that they are in greater demand when it comes to volunteering for our most popular events/venues. Once trained, our volunteers will be able to take on increased levels of responsibility and provide advice and direction to First Aiders and youth members.

 

st john first aid at events volunteer working in control centre

COMMUNICATIONS OFFICERS

are St John volunteers who have completed additional training in order to be able to play a crucial role in ensuring that St John provides an efficient emergency response across the state of Victoria. Once trained, our volunteers will be able to; operate our radio network at 3SJ Melbourne (Mount Waverley), operate our field systems at major venues and major events, operate our Computer Aided Dispatch system which is relied upon by Event Commanders, Event Organisers and the Emergency Services in order to provide the best possible patient outcomes.

 

St John first aid at events bicycle emergency response team

BICYCLE EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM (BERT)

volunteers are First Responders or Healthcare Professionals who have completed additional training and acquired specialist skills. In order to be selected for the BERT you must be a competent bike rider and able to complete a physical assessment that includes an endurance bike ride of approximately 60km and a beep test. Once trained, volunteers will be able to undertake specialist deployments in areas not easily accessible by a vehicle/ambulance due to the terrain, distance or volume of people (E.g. Melbourne Cup, Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix, Marathons and Fun Runs).

 

St John first aid at events volunteers

LEADERSHIP ROLES (ADULT DIVISIONS)

There are currently 47 adult divisions across Victoria. Each Division is managed by a management team of approximately 6 volunteers. St John is a great place to develop and demonstrate leadership skills through participation in leadership training and contributing to the management of dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers.

 

st john youth volunteers practicing first aid at camp

LEADERSHIP ROLES (YOUTH PROGRAM)

There are currently 21 divisions within the St John Youth Program. Each division is managed by a management team of approximately 4 adult volunteers who are responsible for delivering a weekly educational program to young people between the ages of 12 and 17 years and supervising fun social activities that support the engagement of young people in the program. Previous involvement in a youth program is not required by adult volunteers as training will be provided.

 

St John event volunteer working together with Victoria Police

LEADERSHIP ROLES (STATE OPERATIONS)

There are a wide range of leadership roles available within the State Operations Team (E.g. Event Mentor, Venue Manager, Event Commander/Deputy Commander, Clinical Coordinator, Event Liaison, Team Leader) which is responsible for the management of our state level events and major venues. St John provides extensive training and professional development to equip volunteers for these challenging yet rewarding roles.
St John First Aid in Schools Program presenter with students

ENDORSED PRESENTERS

are St John volunteers who have good communication skills and a desire to educate and develop other volunteers. Endorsed Presenters will normally have been a St John volunteer for approximately two years prior to taking up the role in order to gain the necessary organisational knowledge to be able to guide and advise other volunteers. Once endorsed as a presenter our volunteers will be able to deliver all of the non-accredited St John training modules.

 

St John first aid training bandaging

ENDORSED TRAINERS

are St John volunteers who have excellent communication skills and a proven ability to deliver training and assessment services in the vocational education/training sector. Endorsed Trainers will hold the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. Once endorsed as a trainer our volunteers will be able to deliver all of the non-accredited St John training modules plus nationally accredited first aid training and assessment.

 

St John first aid at events volunteers packing equipment

THE LOGISTICS TEAM

is made up of St John volunteers who play a vital role in the provision of first aid services at major events and venues. Liaising closely with Event Commanders and the Event Support Team they coordinate the supply of the equipment, vehicles and other essential materials in the days and weeks leading up to each event.

Valuing our Volunteers

St John has developed a Volunteer Agreement within which we highlight our commitment to our volunteers and what we require of them in return, by way of;

  • Event attendance
  • Training and qualifications
  • Communication
  • Fitness for duty
  • Pre membership checks

Click here to read our Volunteer Agreement