At St John Ambulance Victoria, saving lives is not just about quick action in emergencies, it is also about sharing the skills that make those lifesaving moments possible. That’s exactly what drives Howard, one of our passionate first aid trainers.

With a background in heavy industry and practical training, Howard joined St John as a volunteer and immediately noticed where he could make the biggest difference, training. “I saw the greatest need was for trainers,” he says. “So, I did my TAE with St John, and when the chance came to be a commercial trainer, I thought, ‘I can do that too.’”

For Howard, St John is more than a workplace, it is part of his family history. His father and sister were volunteers, and one of his daughters is now a paramedic in the Northern Territory. “It’s a noble history,” he reflects. “St John has been around for 140 years, and I’m proud to be part of it.”

Having saved lives in real situations, Howard understands the power of first aid. But what inspires him most is knowing that by training others, he can multiply that impact. “If I train 16 students and just one or two of them save a life, that’s incredibly rewarding.”

Howard finds joy in watching students grow in confidence. “Some people come in nervous, unsure of themselves. But then they get that ‘aha’ moment, pass the course, and leave confident. That’s a great feeling.”

The onboarding and support he received as a trainer made all the difference. “You’re gradually introduced into the classroom, supported by experienced trainers. It’s such a smooth transition, you feel ready.”

One powerful moment for Howard came in the field, helping someone who had performed CPR on a friend for over an hour. The person was confused and heartbroken that the defibrillator didn’t shock. Howard calmly explained how defibrillators work and reassured him that he did everything right. “It was like a weight lifted off his shoulders. That’s the kind of impact training has, not just skills, but understanding.”

His message to anyone thinking about joining? “The best way to learn is to teach. If you want to be really good at first aid, become a trainer.”