When Bryson joined St John Ambulance Victoria in late August, he was looking for more than a new job; he was searching for meaningful work that would have a real impact on people’s lives. Today, as a Community Education Officer, he’s doing exactly that.

But Bryson’s path to St John wasn’t a straight line. Before stepping into the world of first aid and community programs, he completed a degree in audio engineering, driven by a lifelong passion for music shared by his family. He loved the creativity and the craft, but when turning it into a career started to dim the joy it once brought, he made a brave choice: keep music as a hobby and look for a profession with deeper purpose.

“I’ve always appreciated education,” Bryson says. “Even during my audio engineering degree, my thesis was actually about building a community program for an extracurricular program, designed for creative universities, so I realised education was the common thread in everything I enjoyed.”

That realisation eventually led him to St John.

He already knew of the organisation from sporting events while growing up, seeing volunteers on the sidelines at athletics and footy matches left a lasting positive impression. “St John always felt familiar,” he says. “I didn’t know much about the organisation back then, but I knew they were trusted, helpful and part of the community.”

A Love for Learning and Teaching

Bryson’s multicultural upbringing shaped his love of music, food and connection. He is also naturally active, often found running, rock climbing or simply exploring outdoors. But it is when he talks about teaching that he really lights up.

As a Community Education Officer, he delivers several St John community programs, including:

• First Aid in Schools (FASCH) – teaching essential first aid to students from Prep to Grade 6
• CPR Lab – giving people hands-on CPR practice with real-time feedback technology
• And he will be soon starting teaching Party Ready – helping young people make safe choices around alcohol, events and first aid

He loves the variety, and the people.

“The CPR Lab is incredible,” he says. “The technology, the interaction, and the stories people share… you never know who in the room has had to save a life.”

One man told Bryson he used to feel bored doing compulsory CPR training every six months, until the day someone collapsed behind him. He performed CPR and saved their life, and the two have now been friends for more than 15 years.

“Stories like that show how powerful education is,” Bryson reflects. “We might not be on the frontline ourselves, but the people we teach are. Someone I train today could save a life tomorrow.”

Finding Purpose at St John

For Bryson, joining St John has been more than a career shift; it is a homecoming.

“I was looking for a place where I could genuinely improve people’s quality of life,” he says. “First aid does that. We preserve life, prevent further injury, and support people in those critical moments. Teaching first aid means I get to help the community help each other.”

And even though he has only been here a short time, he already sees a long future ahead.

“Everyone here is amazing. I can see myself being at St John for the long term.”

Beyond Work

When he is not teaching, you will find Bryson:

• Out for a run or at the gym
• Trying new outdoor adventures
• Spending time with his young nephew
• Working on music projects

If Bryson could teach every Australian one thing, it would be simple: “DRSABCD. Learn it, remember it, trust it,” he emphasises “It gives you confidence. In any situation, big or small, DRSABCD helps you stay calm and do the right thing.”

Inspired by Bryson’s Story? Get Involved.

St John’s community programs reach tens of thousands of people every year, thanks to dedicated educators like Bryson.

Whether you are:

• A parent wanting your child to learn lifesaving skills
• A teacher booking a school program
• A young person wanting to understand first aid at events
• An organisation looking to empower your community

Learn more about our programs or get involved at St John Ambulance Victoria.