St John Ambulance Australia (ACT) Inc.
Volunteer Information Pack
Volunteering Options within St John ACT
St John offers a range of volunteering opportunities to our members. We value all
contributions, large or small and support our members so they can engage with us in
a manner that best suits their needs and lifestyle.
St John recognises that our volunteers have different training levels and different
volunteer goals and these options are designed to enable our volunteers to support
the community through St John in a way that best suits them.
Although it is not compulsory, St John encourages our members to continually
improve their skills in all aspects from first aid to management and leadership. The
matrix below also acts as a volunteer career path guide should you wish to develop
your skills and take on greater responsibility.
Community Education
Our Community Care volunteers work in a number of projects targeted at teaching
non-accredited vital first aid skills to demographics of our community who would not
otherwise have access to it.
Project Survival teaches refugees and low socio-economic persons in the Canberra
community.
Project Resilience teaches first aid relevant to active retirees.
Community Education targets other community groups that would otherwise be
unable to attend a commercial first aid course such as scouts, girl guides, public
groups and children.
Community Care is an excellent way to solidify your understanding of first aid skills
whilst making an amazing impact in the Canberra community. Their work continues
to empower those who are considered vulnerable in the community, thus making it a
truly rewarding experience.
Event Health Services (EHS)
St John provides volunteer event health services to most of the popular events
throughout the ACT. Community events such as Skyfire, sporting events, festivals
and fetes all receive the support of our dedicated volunteers.
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St John also plays a vital role in Emergency First Aid in support of our community.
Our services are part of the ACT Government Emergency Plan and can be called on
at short notice.
St John also recognises and supports those volunteers who bring other professional
health care skills and training such as doctors, nurses and paramedics. There is a
Health Care Professional Division available for suitably qualified members.
How Volunteering with St John Ambulance ACT Works
St John Ambulance ACT does set an expected level of commitment from its
volunteers to ensure not only that we meet our obligations to the Canberra
community but also to ensure our volunteers have sufficient experience to provide
the best care to patients in need and accurate information when training the public.
However St John Ambulance ACT also wants to make volunteering a fun and flexible
experience and as such volunteers have the ability to choose which events or
training days they would like to attend.
EHS Volunteers have access to an online database which enables them to clearly
see the events that are available to them and are able to put their own names onto
events. However if they want to come off an event they do need to get confirmation
from the office to ensure that we are still meeting the needs of the community.
Joining Requirements
Persons looking to join St John Ambulance ACT as a volunteer should take time to
carefully consider whether they have the time and interest to volunteer before
applying.
EHS Volunteers should also be conscious that they will have the potential to work in
environments where there may be severe trauma or illness to the patient, although
they will supported with training and a team.
People wishing to volunteer with St John Ambulance ACT must:
 Be 16years +
 Have completed a Provide First Aid Course (HLTAID003) within the 6months
prior to an Induction Program
 Be medically and physically fit to work in Event Health Services
 Expect to provide 40-60hrs of service each year.
 Complete an Induction Program with St John Ambulance ACT
Joining Fee
There is a $175.00 ($157.50 for concession) non-refundable joining fee to join EHS
which assists us with uniform and training costs involved with getting new volunteers
started. It is also a requirement to attend an Advanced First Aid and Advanced
Resuscitation Course to join (the fee of $220 is covered by St John Ambulance ACT).
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Volunteer Options
Community Care Volunteers
Community Care Volunteers are trained in Provide First Aid skills and above. They
provide non-accredited first aid training to a variety of institutions and community
groups from the disadvantaged, homeless, active retirees and children.
Although no formal teaching qualifications are necessary you will be instructed in
how to present information to small classes with colleagues to help assist you as you
gain your own confidence.
Event Health Services: First Responders
St John First Responder is the standard level of training that all our volunteers are
moving towards. You must be 16 years of age or over and have completed the
Advanced Resuscitation, Advanced First Aid and Induction Training provided by St
John Ambulance ACT.
It would also suit those members who wish to further develop and advance their first
aid knowledge and healthcare students looking to gain better skills in patient care.
St John First Responders may attend Community Care meetings and undertake
Community Care projects directly with the community. They may also attend and
participate at divisional meetings. First Responders with experience may attend
first aid duties as the Team Leader.
Event Health Services: Health Care Professionals
St John Health Care Professionals is a volunteering option for those with
recognised professional medical qualifications. These members need to provide
current certificates of registration for one of the following; Enrolled Nurse, Registered
Nurse, Ambulance Paramedic and Doctor.
St John Health Care Professionals are able to provide advanced clinical knowledge
and support at most events. Health Care Professionals are also able to assist in
Medical Assessment Teams (MAT) at major or high risk events, where advanced life
support skills and knowledge is required for acute clinical care.
This option is suitable for those Health Professionals who want to support First
Responder volunteers, get some different clinical experiences and also potentially
work in acute care at high risk events such as music festivals.
St John Health Care Professionals may attend Community Care meetings and
undertake Community Care projects directly with the community; they will need to
complete a Provide First Aid Certificate to volunteer with Community Care.
Health Care Professional Applications
For those wishing to join St John Ambulance Australia (ACT) as a Health Care
Professional please contact [email protected].
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How the Induction Process Works
Volunteers who wish to join St John Ambulance ACT must complete an Induction
Program. The Induction Program ensures that volunteers are full equipped with the
right skills and the right experience to keep themselves and the public safe whilst
teaching and providing first aid to the public.
The Induction Program is a three month long process, including five days of training
and three events (see table below).
The initial four days of training are run over two weekends and include a two day
Provide Advanced First Aid (PAFA) Course, a one day Advanced Resuscitation
Course and a one day Volunteer Induction Course.
Volunteers are then given a basic uniform set for attending events; they must attend
three events/shifts within the three months Induction Program. New volunteers will
have mentors available at their events to ensure they are given the support to treat
patients and ask questions as they need.
Finally there is a fifth day of training where we review what you have learned in the
last three months, touch up anything you are unsure of and then award you your full
uniform.
The Induction Program
Training Days 1 & 2 (Weekend 1)
Provide Advanced First Aid
Training Days 3 & 4 (Weekend 2)
3 months
Training Day 5
Provide Advanced Resuscitation &
Volunteer Induction Course
Basic Uniform Set Given
Attend 3 events/shifts
Induction Review and Touch Up
Full Uniform Set Given
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St John Ambulance Australia (ACT) Values
St John is a self-funding charity working for the Service of Humanity.
Our vision for the future, whether acting alone or in partnership with others, is the
provision of charitable and humanitarian services to individuals, groups and
organisations. Our relief work for persons in sickness, distress, suffering or danger
recognises no barrier of race, colour or creed.
Funds are raised from the first aid training and products St John sells, providing a
means for achieving our overall humanitarian objectives. Fundraising is not, nor will
be allowed to become, an end in itself. St John takes pride in its volunteer ethos, its
ethical standards and in its independence.
These together provide the firm foundation on which St John determines the best
means of achieving the objectives to which it is dedicated.
Equal Engagement Opportunity Policy
St John is an equal employment opportunity employer. This principle extends to all
members, volunteer and employees. All members are treated fairly in relation to
matters such as recruitment, promotion and training. Engagement policies and
practices are fair and do not disadvantage people on grounds that are not relevant to
the position.
St John engages and promotes its members on the basis of merit only. St John is
committed to providing a work environment that fosters and maintains good
relationships between all members and which is free from unlawful discrimination,
harassment and bullying.
Behaviour that amounts to bullying, harassment and unlawful discrimination in the
organisation will not be tolerated.
For further information please to refer to the ACT Policy Manual.
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Member Etiquette
While representing St John, your habits, language and behaviour directly impact on
the image of St John, therefore consideration is necessary at all times in and around
the St John environment.
St John requests all members abide by the following standards of member
behaviour:
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Treat all other St John members with respect.
Personal presentation is important – a neat and professional image is
expected. When in uniform, the uniform guidelines must be followed.
Smoking is not appropriate in areas where contact with our client is likely.
Members are asked not to smoke when in uniform in public places. Eating is
not appropriate in areas where contact with our clients is likely. Members are
to eat during their scheduled breaks.
Internet, email and phone facilities provided by St John are not for personal
use except in the case of an emergency.
Personal Information
Personal information of members or clients should not be given out under any
circumstances. If someone requests information on an individual such as a contact
telephone number or email address, take their name and phone number and advise
your supervisor of the request.
Fitness for Work
St John requires its members to be both capable and suitable to undertake the tasks
they are engaged to do. Members seeking to undertake certain volunteer activities
with St John will be asked to provide appropriate evidence of their abilities. This
might include such things as:
 Evidence of training qualifications;
 Evidence of vocational training skills;
 Ability to work in emergency and stressful situations;
 Ability to work and communicate in a team environment;
 Proof of fitness, both physical and mental; and
 Proof of capabilities.
Such requirements are detailed in St John policy and procedural documentation.
St John prides itself on member development and will support all members to attain
whatever skills they require to serve the community. Members are encouraged to
contact their mentor or our training support team for further information.
Probationary Period
A probationary period of six month is in place for all new members who join St John.
This begins from the time the Induction Course is completed.
Insurances
All members of St John are covered by a range of insurance polices such as:
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Group Personal Accident Policy;
Product and Public Liability;
Property Insurance, including comprehensive insurance for all St John
vehicles regardless of age;
Professional Indemnity/Medical Malpractice Insurance; and
Directors and Officers Insurance.
St John members are protected under these polices provided they do not
undertake activities that are outside of their training. Members are encouraged
to familiarise themselves with the insurance coverage afforded them by St John.
St John Ambulance Australia (ACT) Policy Manual
St John (ACT) has a range of policy documents that set out the limitations that all
members of the organisation are required to work within. There is also a series of
procedural documents that provide a framework for members to use.
These documents are available from the office and members are encouraged to
familiarise themselves with these resources.
Volunteer Duty Expense Reimbursement
St John provides generous financial support to our members to assist them in
delivering community service.
Fuel expenses, meal contributions and other
incidental expenses are provided to our members.
Please consult the
reimbursement policy for more information.
St John Ambulance Uniforms
New Volunteers will be issued a Basic Uniform at the start of their 3 month induction
including a Vest and Cap. After the completion of their 3 month induction they will
then be issued a full uniform. The full uniform includes green overall pants, shirt and
jacket, a baseball cap, a hi-vis vest and a polarfleece jacket. Members undertaking
events and duties are required to wear the uniform to ensure the safety of
themselves and the safety of their fellow members on duty. Uniforms are issued free
of charge accordingly to our policy on uniform issue, however additional uniform
items and uniform sets can be purchase at the members expense. Torn or broken
uniform is required to be returned for replacement, malicious or purposeful
destruction of uniform is at the member’s expense.
Mentoring and Support
St John provides all new members with mentoring and support during their induction
and on-going training. Once you have made a choice on how you wish to engage
with St John, we will provide you with contacts within that section who will assist you
prepare yourself.
Counselling
The nature of the work of St John places our members in situations that some people
might find stressful or upsetting. Our training and induction programs are designed
to prepare our members for such eventualities.
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We also provide counselling and other support for our members should they feel they
need it. Please contact your supervisor or the Volunteer Services Manager for more
information should you ever feel the need to seek help.
First Aid Emergencies
St John is part of the ACT Government Emergency Response program and members
should understand that their assistance might be sought at short notice should the
region suffer an emergency situation where St John is called upon.
Service under such circumstances is completely voluntary.
St John uses a number of methods to contact our members in the event of an
emergency and the primary communication tool is an SMS call-out system. When
your application is processed you will added on to this call-out. If you do not wish to
be added, please advise the office.
St John Ambulance Service Recognition
St John has in place a range of formal and informal processes to recognise
members’ service. A complete guide to service recognition can be obtained from the
office, or from the member section of the national website.
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Code of Conduct
The volunteer and salaried members of St John Ambulance Australia work to further
the objectives of the Order of St John, and more especially the care of the sick and
injured, and those in need of special help. In doing so they ensure that their actions
maintain the good name and charitable image of St John. They:
1) Act with integrity, fairness and honesty.
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Respect the dignity of others.
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Respect the rights of others.
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Do not use oppressive or misleading practices, or falsify or wrongly
withhold information.
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Ensure that others are treated in accordance with the principles of natural
justice.
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Respect of the confidentiality of information within St John.
2) Respect the law and act accordingly
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Comply with the laws of the Commonwealth of Australia and of its
individual States and Territories.
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Scrupulously observe the Australian Taxation Acts and other legislation
relevant to the conduct of the affairs of St John.
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Apply the provisions of the law to others with humanity and charity.
3) Are responsible for their actions and accountable for the consequences
of those actions.
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Accept responsibility for action they take, or fail to take, relating to their
position in St John.
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Are responsible for honestly and fully reporting their actions, and on how
they set about achieving their objectives.
4) Do not place themselves in a position where there is a conflict of interest
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Avoid situations where their private interest conflicts directly or indirectly
with their obligations to the organisation.
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Do not receive benefits from a person or organisation seeking to do
business with St John.
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Do not promote commercial organisations that compete directly with
St John.
5) Use of assets of St John only to fulfil the objects of the Order
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Do not use St John funds to provide private benefits for themselves or
others.
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Do not use St John funds to an excessive degree for incidental expenditure
that may be necessary for transaction of the affairs of St John.
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Need any more advice or assistance.
There are 1 full-time and 2 part-time staff that look after Volunteer Services and
Events in the ACT, all of whom can assist you
Phone Reception 6282 2399 or email
Jo Perkins
9.30am – 2.30pm daily
[email protected]
Nathanael Semmler
[email protected]
10:30am – 6pm Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
Nathalie Maconachie
9.00am – 5.00pm daily
[email protected]
St John Ambulance Australia (ACT) Inc.
14 Thesiger Court (PO Box 72)
DEAKIN WEST ACT 2600
Ph: 02 6282 2399
Fax: 02 6282 4566
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