As severe Tropical Cyclone Fina barrelled towards Darwin, residents were advised to shelter at home or relocate to one of seven authorised cyclone shelters.
Rahmat Ramadan, a volunteer First Responder with St John NT, was among those deployed to provide essential first aid and medical support to community members seeking refuge at the facilities.
When the shelter opened at Palmerston College, where Rahmat was stationed, 65 people were welcomed with little more than the clothes on their backs. Among them were families with toddlers, two newborns, and a pregnant woman.
Rahmat said the first few hours were steady and calm, with minor first aid needs managed early by him and fellow-volunteer, Advanced Responder Makayla Zelley, as everyone settled in for the night.
“Kids were playing, people were relaxed, and the shelter staff were incredibly friendly," Rahmat said. "The staff checked in on everyone regularly and kept us updated with information."
However, as with any emergency event, when the weather became more intense so did the uncertainty, bringing fatigue, concern and restlessness for many.
"Makayla and I took turns sleeping so someone was always ready, in case people in the shelter needed aid," he said.
At around 9pm, a patient came forward for support with a serious condition. A female in her 40s was having a diabetic episode and had extremely high blood sugar.
Rahmat and Makayla called for an ambulance, but the service's response capacity was limited by the peaking cyclone conditions.
Over the next three hours, the pair monitored the patient's condition, performing checks every 30 minutes to ensure she was okay.
Rahmat said the experience allowed him to apply the skills gained through his St John NT training in a real-life situation.
"I was grateful for the skills that I have learnt through volunteering, and I think the patient was grateful that we were there too. It was intense, but good to be able to put my training into action."
Reflecting on his 24-hour deployment to the cyclone shelter, Rahmat said he wished more people knew what to expect in the shelters.
"It was Makayla and my first time supporting a shelter, and we were lucky to have gone in with the resources that St John organised for us,” he said.
“But most people thought that there would be food, bedding, and other things like that provided. It's not the case, and I think it's really important that people know what to bring before they have to leave home.
"Pack your cyclone kit now. And don't forget to include some of your medication in there."
Rahmat’s experience is just one story, but it represents thousands of hours of preparation, care, and commitment from volunteers across the NT who are prepared to support strangers who need them.
In a Territory prone to cyclones, flooding, fires, and a range of other unpredictable challenges, the need for community support is constant.
“Volunteering brings meaning to your life. It offers purpose, connection and the chance to step up for your community when it matters most. I encourage people of all ages to consider joining.”
Click here to learn more about volunteering with St John NT, or to support their work across the Territory donate here.
