As a lifeguard, Kerrie developed extensive first aid skills, including emergency response, CPR, and oxygen use during rescues. This experience naturally led her to pursue a role in first aid training. 

Joining St John Ambulance: Seeking More Knowledge

Kerrie decided to take her skills further by joining St John as a volunteer. She initially joined to gain more experience, especially for situations where traditional first aid resources weren’t available. While she briefly considered becoming a paramedic, the costs and time commitment made her turn to volunteering as a more feasible option. The flexibility of the role and the chance to continue helping others in her community made St John the perfect fit. "Volunteering as a first responder showed me that there are always ways to assist, even if it’s just calling 000 and providing the right information. I wanted more exposure to these situations so I could share that knowledge in my training." She says.

So, herself and her husband Nigel, who is also a St John volunteer, got fast tracked and graduated last February, when she could no longer wait to serve the community. "I was eager to get started right away, excited to wear the green uniform, attend events, and be out there making a difference."

Building a Community of Volunteers

Kerrie and Nigel are passionate about building a strong first responder community. They quickly realised that the St John Ambulance team in their area was still growing, and they found themselves helping to establish the local division. They even encouraged colleagues from their lifeguard team to consider volunteering with St John to improve their own first aid skills, which, in turn, would help enhance their emergency response.

The Rewards of Volunteering

One of the most rewarding parts of volunteering for Kerrie has been the positive impact it has on her self-confidence. Through her experiences with St John, she’s learned that even small actions, like helping people during an event, make a big difference. Despite the fact that she doesn’t always directly intervene in emergencies, she values the appreciation the community expresses to St John volunteers at each deployment. This, combined with the knowledge she’s gained, has made volunteering both fulfilling and empowering.

Balancing Life and Volunteering

While juggling her career, family life, and volunteer work, Kerrie enjoys the flexibility that St John offers. She can decide how much time to dedicate to her role, making it easier to manage alongside her other responsibilities. Kerrie is deeply committed to learning and growing in the first responder field, often looking for new courses and opportunities to further her skills.

A Controlled Environment for Growth

Although Kerrie acknowledges the seriousness of the situations she might face as a volunteer, she appreciates the controlled nature of her current role compared to more intense emergency services. The opportunities she has with St John allow her to prepare for a range of scenarios.

Encouraging Others to Get Involved

Kerrie encourages anyone with a genuine interest in first aid and helping others to consider volunteering with St John Ambulance. The volunteer role provides valuable exposure to emergency situations, helping individuals gain confidence in their ability to assist in times of need. For Kerrie, the experience has been not only rewarding but also a chance to contribute positively to her community. "Everybody has been really nice to work with and very supportive. There are so many different personalities, which is great, everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses." She concludes.