A unique alliance has been established between St John Ambulance WA and Manea Senior College in Bunbury which allows local students to become country youth ambulance officers.
The secondary school, which provides specialised courses in health and medical fields for Year 11 and 12 students, formed a partnership with the Bunbury Sub Centre back in 2013. As a result of this partnership, St John Ambulance provide first aid training and also delivers a certificate IV in health care (ambulance) to students at the College.
South West regional training coordinator Annette Mateljan said that this year the decision was made to offer the students the opportunity to volunteer as country youth ambulance officers.
“This seemed to be the perfect fit for this new initiative as the students already had many of the skills required to be a country youth ambulance officer and we knew the volunteer experience would help to broaden their knowledge and lifesaving skills,” she said.
“In July we had 15 students place their applications to become youth officers and within a few weeks they received their uniforms and became part of the St John family.”
The youth officers are able to register themselves as a third officer for appropriate community events that are taking place across the region. At the events, they work closely with a team of experienced St John volunteers who are happy to share their experiences and knowledge.
Ms Mateljan said these young volunteers are gaining valuable experience which will enable them to become leaders in their community.
“The standard has been set high by this inaugural group of youth officers,” she said.
“They have been a pleasure to work with and both St John Ambulance and Manea Senior College are very proud of their achievements.
“As a region, we are developing the next generation of volunteers while also providing a valuable service to our community.”