Southern Yorke ambulance volunteers needed

SOUTH Australian Ambulance Service is currently on a recruitment drive for its southern Yorke Peninsula crews.

Volunteers are needed to join teams in Yorketown, Minlaton, Marion Bay and Warooka.

Free training is held regularly, and a minimum of 30 hours service is required monthly, with volunteers gaining invaluable life-saving experience.

SAAS has 1300 volunteers across the state and is an option for everyone from a retiree to a student.

Yorketown’s Reece Warren has been volunteering for SAAS for 15 years and has learned much during that time.

“I signed up because playing football was becoming a bit too much for me and my young family, but I still wanted to be active in my local community,” he said.

“(I’ve discovered) everyone has a time of need and I’ve been fortunate enough to have people who I’ve known for years and people who I’ve never met, say thank you.”

Tom Short, Minlaton, has also been involved for 15 years and believes the role has helped uncover much about himself he didn’t know.

“The biggest thing for me is being able to help the people in my community when things aren’t going the best for them,” he said.

“I find that the most rewarding part.

“I find SAAS is really good in understanding what you can and can’t do, and you strike up a balance.”

Mr Short believes he’s proof this role can suit those in any line of work.

“I’m a grain and sheep farmer, because I run my own business, I can be pretty flexible in finding a good balance between work and volunteering,” he said.

A SAAS spokesperson said major incidents, such as road accidents, would make up a very small portion of the work.

“Most patients are people with chest pain, breathing problems or pre-existing medical conditions,” the spokesperson said.

“You will always be paired with a qualified ambulance officer, who will be there to support you.

“There’s no better time to answer the call and take control in an emergency, to help save the lives of others.”

If you are interested in joining SAAS, call regional team leader Matthew Weatherald on 0438 803 246, the Volunteer Support Unit on 1300 175, email SAASvolunteer@sa.gov.au or visit www.saasvolunteer. sa.gov.au.