THE SA Ambulance Service (SAAS) is calling on South East residents to put up their hands for volunteer roles.
SAAS Upper Limestone Coast regional team leader Sarah Malthouse said she hoped her experiences as a volunteer would help encourage others to get involved.
“I joined as a volunteer ambulance officer to see if I was cut out for a career in paramedicine,” she said.
“I fell in love with it and the team were so supportive of me, I decided to continue on.”
Ms Malthouse said there are some challenges to being a volunteer with SAAS, but they do not outweigh the positives.
“I love being able to work with the volunteers that I began volunteering with, and being close to home is an added bonus,” she said.
“There is always the added stress that you will know your patient personally in an emergency situation, but I believe that adds a special touch and I would prefer to be there in their time of need.
“Volunteer ambulance officers are some of the most selfless, dedicated people in our community, they devote so much of their own time, just to keep our community safe.”
As an incentive to get encourage people to join, SAAS offers free ambulance cover to volunteers and their families.
Visit www.saasvolunteer.sa.gov.au for more information.
