First Aid Heroes

A woman being interviewed about first aid

Earlier this year, St John Ambulance Tasmania launched the First Aid Heroes campaign — a callout to the community to share real stories of using first aid in everyday life. We were overwhelmed by the response: more than 300 Tasmanians reached out with stories of courage, quick thinking, and compassion.

These weren’t doctors or paramedics. They were parents, teachers, everyday workers, teenagers — people just like you — who found themselves in a moment where someone needed help… and they knew what to do.

As part of the campaign, we gave away a G5 defibrillator and first aid kits to recognise outstanding entries. Wade, Krista, and Thomas each received a first aid kit, and Haley was awarded the grand prize — a G5 AED for her home.

We also created a short video to honour four of these stories and show how powerful first aid knowledge can be when it matters most. Each story is a testament to the simple truth: first aid saves lives.

💬 “My first aid training really helped me assess the situation early... and get the right people into roles as soon as possible.”

Wade Gleeson

Wade was driving with his family when they came upon a serious motorbike accident near Bothwell. While someone called triple zero, Wade and his wife immediately began providing care. Wade, a trained traffic coordinator, used his work ute’s lights and radios to manage the scene while their teenage children calmly helped direct traffic. Thanks to years of first aid training with St John, Wade was able to stay focused, delegate roles, and support the emergency responders when they arrived.

💬 “That incident is what prompted me to do a St John course... Now I always have a first aid kit in my car.”

Krista Grey

Krista has administered first aid on three separate occasions. From helping a cyclist hit at high speed on the highway, to assisting an elderly man who collapsed and hit his head, to supporting a young man who crashed into her fence — Krista has seen firsthand how fast an emergency can happen. After one especially confronting situation where she didn’t know what to treat first, she made the decision to upskill with a St John first aid course — and now, she’s always ready.

💬 “Some students had never seen a seizure before and were understandably shaken... I was grateful for my training.”

Thomas Coad

As a teacher, Thomas found himself in a terrifying situation when one of his students collapsed in the classroom during a seizure. He acted quickly — clearing the area, placing the student in the recovery position, and calling emergency services. But he didn’t stop there. After paramedics arrived, Thomas also took the time to explain what had happened to the rest of the class, reassuring them and helping them process what they had witnessed. His calm, informed response showed the ripple effect that first aid knowledge can have — not just on the patient, but on everyone involved.

Haley Beaumont and St John COO Trent McHugh

💬 “I was panicking — but my St John first aid training kicked in, and I knew what to do.”

Hayley Beaumont

Haley was woken in the middle of the night by a loud crash. Her housemate had collapsed from a brain aneurysm and was now seizing on the kitchen floor. She cleared the space, cushioned his head, placed him in the recovery position, and called for an ambulance. What followed was weeks of surgery, ICU care, and recovery.

But in those critical first moments, Haley’s quick action and clear thinking made all the difference. Today, she cares for her ageing father — and having a defibrillator at home gives her added peace of mind.

These stories are more than inspiring — they are powerful reminders that emergencies don’t wait for experts. They happen in driveways, schools, homes, and on highways. And often, the first person on the scene is you.

Everyone should have the skills and confidence to help when it matters. That’s why we run first aid courses across Tasmania — and why we’re committed to making first aid training accessible for all.

💬 “My first aid training really helped me assess the situation early... and get the right people into roles as soon as possible.”

Wade Gleeson

💬 “That incident is what prompted me to do a St John course... Now I always have a first aid kit in my car.”

Krista Grey

💬 “Some students had never seen a seizure before and were understandably shaken... I was grateful for my training.”

💬 “I was panicking — but my St John first aid training kicked in, and I knew what to do.”

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