Just another drive—until it wasn’t: How first aid training helped me lead in a crisis

Real story shared by Wade Gleeson, Tasmanian local and St John first aid graduate.

It was just a regular Saturday evening. My family and I were driving near Bothwell when we came across a motorbike accident. We were the second car on the scene, right behind a friend of ours.

The situation was serious. The rider had left the road and was badly injured. Someone called Triple Zero, and without even thinking, my first aid training kicked in.

My wife, our friend, and I—all trained in first aid with St John Tasmania—immediately got to work. We focused on the rider while coordinating with emergency services. My work ute, fitted with flashing lights and radios from my role as a traffic coordinator, became a tool to help ambulances access the scene safely.

Our kids—14, 15, and 17—were incredible. They helped manage traffic and stayed calm through the chaos. Watching them rise to the occasion was something I’ll never forget.

By the time the paramedics and police arrived, they were impressed by what we had done. It wasn’t heroic—just the result of good training, quick thinking, and knowing how to stay composed under pressure.

Why First Aid Training Matters

It doesn’t matter whether you’re in healthcare or just out for a weekend drive—emergencies can happen anywhere. And when they do, someone has to step up.

Thanks to my first aid training with St John, I was able to:

Quickly assess the scene for danger
Delegate roles and give clear instructions
Assist the patient until emergency services arrived
Support my family and others on the scene to stay calm and effective
It wasn’t just the medical knowledge. It was knowing how to manage a stressful situation and lead with confidence when it mattered most.

Be Ready to Help. Book Your Training Today.

My message is simple: don’t wait. You never know when you’ll need to act. Take the course. Learn the skills. Prepare yourself and your family.

St John offers first aid training for real life—because real life doesn’t give you a warning.

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