EMILY Williams only joined the Port MacDonnell SA Ambulance Service (SAAS) in August this year but she is campaigning to hand over the ‘rookie’ title to a new face this summer.
Ms Williams has joined forces with the seaside team’s longest serving member Denise Gower as part of a volunteer recruitment drive encouraging people to join the diverse team.
Both have shared their varying experiences in a bid to attract new ambulance volunteers to teams across the Limestone Coast, bolstering community health and safety resources.
“I was inspired to join SAAS after calling emergency services for an incident at my workplace,” Ms Williams said.
“Seeing the amazing work the volunteer crews did encouraged me to sign up.”
Similarly, Ms Gower joined the team after witnessing a few vehicle accidents along her road.
“My knowledge was limited when it came to basic first aid and I wanted to help more,” Ms Gower said.
“I recently completed 15 years with SAAS and through my time with the team I’ve gained so much more.
“The experience is invaluable, knowing you can save someone’s life is indescribable.”
Ms Gower said the greatest reward of her volunteering with SAAS was seeing people she had helped around town.
“Knowing that we have been there when they needed it the most, and the trust that people put into you, is the best part,” Ms Gower said.
“It’s a respected uniform and a respected role.”
Currently undertaking the Ambulance Assist course, Ms Williams is learning the basics of patient care and how to drive the ambulance.
The SAAS supports volunteers through every step of their training.
“My local team at Port MacDonnell are amazing,” Ms Williams said.
“Everyone looks out for each other and helps one another when they have any questions about a job or how something works.”
“I absolutely love every minute of volunteering with SAAS – everyone at my local station are so friendly and from the day I started I felt like part of the team.
Ms Williams said the Port MacDonnell SAAS team was a family.
“Going into volunteering I had no idea what to expect,” Ms Williams said.
“I never knew that volunteering at my local station would be so rewarding. You absolutely get as much out of it as you put in.”
“We’re all driven by our passion for volunteering and for the community,” Ms Gower added.
“We always try to do a lot of social functions to thank our families and each other for the ongoing support.”
With training options starting in the next few months, Limestone Coast residents are encouraged to join the Port MacDonnell team.
Call SAAS regional team leader Joe Renko on 0419 037 602 for more information.
