Volunteer medic Simon Walter on hand for community for 30 years
PARAMEDIC Simon Walter and Pride of Australia nominee lives to save people — even when he is off duty.
PARAMEDIC Simon Walter lives to save people — even when he is off duty. Mr Walter, 39, of Torrens Park, works for SA Ambulance, but has also been a volunteer for St
John Ambulance for almost 30 years.
In that time he has provided medical help to many, including a man who was suffering from arterial damage when he was hit with a stein at the Schutzenfest and another who had a cardiac arrest on a ride at the Royal Adelaide Show.
Mr Walter has been nominated for a Pride of Australia Medal in the Care and Compassion category for his work with St John Ambulance Australia.
“I started as a cadet when I was 11 years old because my mum had to go to a first aid training and took me with her,” Mr Walter says.
“I participated in bits and the instructor noted I was particularly interested in first aid techniques and treatment and suggested that I consider getting involved as a St John cadet.
“I joined in 1985 and have been with the Mitcham/Colonel Light Gardens division ever since.”
Mr Walter has contributed more than 8000 hours helping the community at events including the Royal Adelaide Show, the Clipsal 500 and concerts at the Entertainment Centre.
“What’s kept me going is the ability to provide help to people who are ill or injured at any number of local events and having the peace of mind that I’m there if something should happen,” he says.
“It’s quite rewarding and very satisfying to be able to put into practice things you’ve learnt over so many years.
“Many people say you’re a hero or you’ve gone above and beyond what you’re meant to do ... but putting what you’ve trained for into practice is more rewarding than the pat on the back afterwards for me.”
Nominations for Pride of Australia awards are open until Tuesday, July 29.