Schools across the Northern Territory are being encouraged to get involved in Thank a First Responder Day by helping students recognise and celebrate the work of local paramedics and emergency services personnel.
St John NT has launched FREE downloadable classroom resources to help schools, early learning centres and community groups take part in Thank a First Responder Day on Wednesday 10 June.
The initiative encourages children and young people to learn more about the role first responders play in their communities, while creating messages of support for local crews.
As part of the initiative, five of St John NT’s ambulance stations – Darwin, Katherine, Alice Springs, Tennant Creek and Nhulunbuy – will select a favourite local submission, with the winning students to receive a visit from a paramedic crew for an interactive ambulance session at their school. The session will include a chance to meet paramedics, learn about their work and explore a real ambulance.
St John NT Director Ambulance Services Sam Kellick said Thank a First Responder Day was a chance for children to better understand the people behind the uniforms.
“We want young Territorians to see that paramedics and first responders are real people from their communities who choose to help others every day,” he said.
“These activities help start conversations around healthcare, emergency services and community spirit, and the competition is a fun way for children to connect with the crews they are thanking.”
Mr Kellick added that small gestures of appreciation have a big impact on frontline workers.
“Paramedics and emergency service workers are there for Territorians during some of the hardest moments of their lives,” he said.
“A drawing, thank you card or message from a child genuinely means a lot to our crews.”
“Community support and kindness make a real difference, especially in the Territory where crews often work in challenging environments across vast distances.”
Schools are encouraged to send completed works to their local St John NT ambulance station or display them within their classrooms and share a photo with St John NT.
St John NT also encourages schools and families to share their creations on social media using #ThankAFirstResponderDay and tagging "St John NT".
Click here to access the FREE downloadable resource.
