SJSA Annual Report 2023-24

St John Ambulance SA

services on older and vulnerable South Australians cannot be overstated, as they help combat loneliness, social isolation, and health decline. Another of our programs with a broad-reaching, lifesaving impact is the First Aid in Schools program. Delivered free of charge to primary school children, this charitable initiative taught just over 10,000 kids last year—10,001 to be exact! We hear many examples of children who have been able to administer first aid to a parent, grandparent, or sibling, saving lives. We are incredibly passionate about this program, and I thank everyone who continues to donate and attend fundraising events, such as our Golf Day, in support of this program. We know how vital first aid knowledge is, and it’s encouraging to see the South Australian community recognise its importance as well. Over the past year, we issued 41,478 first aid certificates to participants in our public courses. This translates into more workplaces, families, and communities equipped with the knowledge to respond in emergencies. In addition to training, having the right equipment is essential for saving lives. That’s why our ability to supply vital first aid kits and products goes hand in hand with the training we provide. We are grateful to the South Australian government for recognising this need and introducing the Automated External Defibrillators (Public Access) Bill, spearheaded by Hon Frank Pangallo MLC. The first phase of this legislation takes effect on 1 January 2025, and we are honoured to be selected as a panel provider for the supply of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). There is no doubt that this important legislation will save lives. We know that for every minute without access to a defibrillator after sudden cardiac arrest, survival rates decrease by 10%. I am proud that South Australia is leading the way in saving lives from sudden cardiac arrest, and particularly that St John Ambulance SA played a key role in advocating for this change. Our volunteers are also at the forefront of responding to cardiac arrests. We have numerous instances where St John volunteers have responded to sudden cardiac arrests at events, applying defibrillators and providing CPR to save lives. Collectively, St John volunteers undertook over 20,000 hours of training last year to hone their skills

and prepare for situations like these.

Whether in our Event Health and Medical Services, Event Support, Community Care, Youth, Historical Society, or Band areas, every volunteer makes a difference and contributes to the social fabric of our community. Volunteers are special people who give their time and skills to improve the lives of others, and we are fortunate to have such an incredible group of people who live the values of our organisation while supporting the South Australian community. As a self-funded charity, we rely on the support of sponsors, donors, and community members who make our work possible. Whether you’ve attended a first aid course, purchased a first aid kit, bought a St John Lottery ticket, attended a fundraising event, or provided in-kind or financial support, your contribution is deeply appreciated and essential in sustaining our lifesaving work for generations to come. I also want to thank our dedicated Board directors and committee members, whose expertise and guidance continue to shape the organisation’s success. Furthermore, my Executive Team comprises outstanding leaders in their respective areas, and I thank them for their continued support and hard work, which have once again produced fantastic outcomes. To everyone I’ve had the pleasure of working with or crossing paths with on this journey, I thank you for your support of St John. We have an incredible community in South Australia, one that we are proud to serve every day. With all we have achieved over the past twelve months, I look forward with great anticipation to what the next year will bring for St John Ambulance SA.

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