Thirteen years ago, Alessia’s life changed forever. After having had lunch together with her mum, Alessandra, she returned to her studies, leaving her mum in the kitchen having a lively conversation on the phone. Suddenly there was a silence. With steady hands and a determined heart, she performed CPR until the firefighters arrived on the scene; actions that gave her mother ten more precious years of life.

Eight years ago, Caitlin joined St John Ambulance Victoria as a nursing student looking for hands-on experience and a meaningful way to contribute to her community. What started as an opportunity to develop her skills quickly became a lifelong passion for first aid, leadership, and making a difference in people’s lives.

Last October, Raechella found herself in a moment that reinforced her belief in the importance of first aid. While celebrating her mother-in-law’s 90th birthday, a woman collapsed in the car park. A family member rushed in, asking if anyone knew how to use a defibrillator. “All eyes turned to me,” she recalls. “I ran out, and as I approached, my sister-in-law stopped everyone, saying, ‘Let Raechella through, she knows what she’s doing.’”