Name: Yelise Foon
Age: 19
University: Charles Sturt University
Year level: 2
Degree: Bachelor Nursing/ Bachelor Clinical Practice Paramedics
Volunteer Organization: St John Ambulance
Position: Cadet Leader
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• Why did you decide to volunteer?
St John Ambulance helped out within the community setting with first aid services, and I was interested in the health care field.
• Why did you choose the organisation you are volunteering with?
Since I was 14 when my interest peaked and St John Ambulance had a youth division for first aid training and services, it seemed beneficial to my starting my education.
• How often do you volunteer?
During weekly meetings, I contribute to teaching cadets, aged from 8 to 17 years. I also attend events to render first aid services. This occurs about once every two weeks.
• Is volunteering good for your social life?
Yes, as I have met people from a variety of occupations and positions, some of which are in the Ambulance Service. I have made close friends with fellow members, and communicate with them on a regular basis.
• Have you had to undergo any additional training?
Yes. Since I belong to a cadet division and deal with those aged under 18, I undergo additional management training. Also, during my membership I have completed Advanced First Aid and Advanced Responder Accreditation Programs in order to provide additional services.
• What are the benefits of volunteering?
Interaction with the community, and experience in managing situations and people. Some of the best people I know I have met through St John Ambulance.
• How has volunteering assisted your professional development as a student paramedic?
It has allowed me to enhance my communication skills with people who are injured or sick. There are opportunities to work with Health Care Professionals within St John Ambulance, such as Intensive Care Paramedics, Extended Care Paramedics and FLEC Nurses.
• What is the most rewarding experience you have had volunteering?
Getting to apply a traction splint to a mid-shaft femur fracture out at Tottenham, and seeing the relief on the casualty’s face once traction was applied. At the time, I was lucky to work with ASNSW in stabilising and transporting the casualty.
• Why would you recommend volunteering to other student paramedics?
It provides you with things that you can’t learn in class, and may only experience on Clinical Placements. Things such as communicating with your patients, how to deal with small or minor complaints, and screaming children.
