For almost six years, Kelsey Squire has been a dedicated member of St John NT, serving communities across both Alice Springs and Darwin. During that time, she has built an impressive career encompassing a range of operational and leadership roles, including Duty Manager and, most recently, Intensive Care Paramedic (ICP). She is also a Clinical Support Officer. In November 2024, Kelsey successfully completed her ICP internship and graduated as a qualified Intensive Care Paramedic, a significant milestone that reflects her commitment to continual learning, clinical excellence, and professional growth.
Throughout her career, Kelsey has worked across urban, remote, and major event settings, providing care in some of the Northern Territory’s most challenging environments. From responding to critically ill and injured patients in remote locations to supporting major events and complex rescue operations, she has consistently demonstrated professionalism, sound clinical judgement, and a calm, compassionate approach under pressure.
Kelsey’s story embodies the essence of St John through her unwavering dedication to service and her commitment to both patients and colleagues. While her clinical expertise is notable, it is her willingness to support, mentor, and encourage others that makes her contribution particularly significant. She has played an important role in developing the confidence and capability of Patient Transport Officers, paramedic interns, and fellow clinicians, helping to strengthen the future of the profession.
Her impact extends far beyond individual patient encounters. Through her involvement in events such as the Finke Desert Race and emergency responses throughout Central Australia, Kelsey has helped ensure that high-quality healthcare is available when and where it is needed most. At the same time, her positive leadership and willingness to share knowledge have contributed to building strong, resilient teams capable of meeting the unique challenges of healthcare delivery in the Northern Territory.
Kelsey’s experience also highlights the many ways women contribute to emergency services, both in visible and less visible roles. While clinical achievements and operational success are important, women often make equally valuable contributions through mentoring junior staff, supporting colleagues after difficult incidents, fostering workplace wellbeing, and leading by example. These acts of guidance, compassion, and encouragement may not always be formally recorded, but they leave a lasting impact on individuals, teams, and organisational culture.
As a woman working in one of the most demanding areas of healthcare, Kelsey demonstrates that leadership, expertise, resilience, and compassion are not mutually exclusive. Her career reflects the vital role women play across all aspects of ambulance service delivery, from frontline patient care to mentorship, leadership, and service development.
For the next generation of women in St John, Kelsey’s story is a reminder that there is no limit to what can be achieved through dedication, courage, and a willingness to embrace new challenges. Her example shows that some of the most influential leaders are those who not only excel in their own roles but also inspire, support, and empower those around them.
St John Ambulance Australia acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities on the Traditional Lands on which we work Australia wide. We acknowledge the Ngunnawal and Ngambri peoples, the Traditional Custodians of the Canberra region, where our Australian Office is based. We pay our respects to elders past and present. At St John Ambulance, we are an inclusive organisation. We welcome and respect people that come from all backgrounds, cultures, religions, genders, sexualities, bodies, and abilities. Access to First Aid and its knowledge are fundamental human rights. Every person deserves access to life saving support, no matter who they are.
St John Ambulance Australia’s nationally recognised accredited courses are delivered by way of third-party arrangement with other organisations (for example, with our St John States and Territories). These St John states and territories (except WA) are authorised to deliver nationally recognised and accredited training on behalf of St John Ambulance Australia Ltd (RTO 88041).
St John Ambulance Australia acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities on the Traditional Lands on which we work Australia wide. We acknowledge the Ngunnawal and Ngambri peoples, the Traditional Custodians of the Canberra region, where our Australian Office is based. We pay our respects to elders past and present. At St John Ambulance, we are an inclusive organisation. We welcome and respect people that come from all backgrounds, cultures, religions, genders, sexualities, bodies, and abilities. Access to First Aid and its knowledge are fundamental human rights. Every person deserves access to life saving support, no matter who they are.
St John Ambulance Australia’s nationally recognised accredited courses are delivered by way of third-party arrangement with other organisations (for example, with our St John State and Territory agents). These agents (except WA) are authorised to deliver nationally recognised and accredited training on behalf of St John Ambulance Australia Ltd (RTO 88041).
