Williams long-time St John WA volunteer Phil Stewart plans to become a paramedic to help serve his community

A St John WA volunteer with over a decade of experience is taking his skills to the next level with plans to study paramedicine at university this year while continuing to serve his community in Williams. Phil Stewart has applied for Edith Cowan University’s Bachelor of Science (Paramedical Science) after completing his Australian Paramedical College Diploma in Emergency Health Care. Mr Stewart was awarded a two-year scholarship by the APC to undertake the diploma in a joint venture between the college and SJWA from 2023 to 2024. The diploma offers entry to bachelor degree programs in paramedicine Australia-wide and a route to paid work in the pre-hospital care sector. Mr Stewart said he wanted to better his medical skills for his volunteer work. “I wanted to do the course to firstly benefit my community and ensure that the care given was consistent across metro and country regions,” he said. “That being said, I now look forward to starting my paramedicine degree. “The course reaffirmed a lot of what I already knew, and it was encouraging to see how much work the St John WA clinical team put into training volunteers so we are performing to a national standard when we’re serving the community.” Alongside his wife, Mr Stewart has been a volunteer emergency medical technician in Williams for more than 16 years. “I have a paramedic station 30km up the road where I’ll be able to do my university placement and volunteer,” he said. “Helping the community in any capacity has always been a passion of mine. “Whether you’re a volunteer or just interested in emergency or non-emergency healthcare fields it’s a great way to learn new skills, tricks and gain confidence. It’s worth doing and pursuing.” APC director of growth Stephen Booth said he was thrilled to award Mr Stewart the scholarship and it was gratifying to see his journey. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see how he has applied his learning to benefit his community,” Mr Booth said. “Phil’s journey is a perfect example of how our courses empower volunteers to make a tangible impact, not only in their own professional development but in the quality of care provided to regional communities like Williams.” SJWA head of clinical education Carole Donaldson said she was delighted that Mr Stewart had used his qualification for ECU entry. “We are extremely impressed by our volunteer team members, who are not only striving to better their skills for their regional communities but finding the time on top of their everyday work commitments,” Ms Donaldson said. “Their dedication to pre-hospital care excellence helps saves lives and we are continuing to investigate ways to support them on their journey with St John WA.”