Two volunteer members of Cooma’s St John Ambulance division have been honoured with promotions that will see them take on higher level roles within the organisation.

Superintendent Jake Mason presented members Tracy Mason and Kadee Laird with their certificates of appointment and epaulettes during a regular duty at the Sapphire Raceway at the weekend.

While providing first aid cover for the motocross event, members managed a situation which resulted in a helicopter extraction for an injured rider.

Both Ms Mason and Ms Laird have been promoted to Sergeants within the organisation while learning their new roles, pending further promotion later this year.

St John Ambulance is a charitable and community driven organisation.

All St John Ambulance members are volunteers, providing first aid services at events, responding to emergencies and providing first aid instruction.

Ms Mason, a responder for Cooma Division, will undertake an appointment as divisional officer, specialising in administrative functions.

She joined St John Ambulance after her son (Mr Mason) joined, initially to support him in his role, but gained first aid qualifications and is now an active responder.

While Ms Laird, a paramedicine student volunteering with Cooma Division, and SES member, will undertake an operations focused appointment.

Currently a first responder with advanced first aid and advance resusciation qualifications, she will be recognised as a paramedic within St John Ambulance once her university studies are complete.

Mr Mason, from Cooma, said he was proud of both women’s achievements and willingness to volunteer their time to serve the community.

“We are always looking for more members and welcome people of all ages and levels of experience,” Mr Mason said.

“At the moment Cooma has nine members including two new members who were part of the team managing the casualty on Sunday.

“We have people who have no first aid training yet but are interested in starting and we have people who are doctors, nurses and paramedics who want to volunteer and serve their community. There is a place for everyone.

“St John Ambulance provides training and professional development to its members, whether people are keen to gain skills in higher levels of first aid, or wish to provide support in non-clinical functions.

“We conduct training one night a fortnight in Cooma, support members in travelling to our state operations centre in Sydney to undertake higher training qualifications, and take on first aid duties at various events during the year, covering the area from the Snowy Mountains to the coast, and Michelago to the Victorian border.”

For more information, contact Mr Mason on 0435593458 or visit www.stjohnnsw.com.au