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.

The Reward of Volunteering

For Caitlin, being a St John volunteer is incredibly fulfilling. "The most rewarding thing about being a St John volunteer is seeing our patients leave with a smile, knowing that they’ve come to an event to have a good time. Even in unfortunate situations, they trust us, and we’re able to help them."

Her role as the Southeast Region's Readiness and Deployment Officer allows her to take on leadership responsibilities, ensuring volunteers are prepared for emergency situations. With years of experience in first aid, she understands just how crucial immediate medical assistance can be. "You never know when a situation will arise, and we know that the first immediate interventions will have the best outcomes for a patient."

Taking First Aid Beyond Borders

Caitlin recently took her passion for healthcare beyond Australia, spending a month volunteering in a local community in Tanzania. This experience opened her eyes to the challenges of providing medical care in low-resource settings.

"In a busy emergency department back home, we have all the equipment we need. But in Tanzania, we had to think quickly and make the best use of limited resources. It reinforced my belief in the importance of first aid knowledge and adaptability."

Despite the challenges, Caitlin found the experience rewarding and deeply impactful. She saw firsthand how vital basic first aid skills can be in saving lives, especially in communities with limited access to healthcare.

Advocating for Women in Healthcare

As a strong advocate for women in first aid and healthcare, Caitlin believes in the power of female mentorship and support. "Being new in healthcare is challenging for everyone. As a young woman, it can feel particularly daunting. But having strong female mentors around to support you makes all the difference."

She recognises the history of women in the healthcare industry and is passionate about celebrating the achievements of those who paved the way. "Women's Day is about celebrating women in all different positions of leadership, in different organisations, and those who will mentor the women of the future."

Caitlin also encourages young women to believe in themselves and take on opportunities with confidence. "We always have that little bit of self-doubt about what we could have done better. But knowing that we trusted our knowledge and used the resources available to us, that’s what matters most."

Inspiring the Next Generation

Caitlin is dedicated to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for young volunteers in St John. She believes that women helping women will always lead to the best outcomes, both in patient care and leadership development.

Her message to young women interested in first aid and healthcare is clear: "Take every opportunity you get and don’t be afraid to put your hand up to try new things. We are part of an incredible organisation, and we should use that to our advantage."

Through her leadership, volunteer work, and international experience, Caitlin continues to inspire young women to step forward, take charge, and make a real difference in the world of first aid and beyond.