Thousands of emergency services volunteers sacrifice Christmas celebrations with family to help those in need

Thousands of selfless volunteers will sacrifice precious family time to respond to emergencies and help those in need over the festive season.

And as Sandgropers brace themselves for one of Perth’s hottest Christmas’ on record, emergency services volunteers are gearing up for what is set to be a busy week ahead.

Volunteer ambulance officer Caitlyn Pavey-Smith, who has been volunteering with St John WA for the past 12 months, will spend the week at the service’s Northam depot.

The 34-year-old said giving up her time to help others was “not even a big deal” and she loved helping people in such vulnerable situations.

“Unfortunately, people don’t stop needing help over public holidays and the festive period, it’s actually the opposite — people tend to need a lot more help and I like giving up a little bit of my time so that somebody else can receive help,” she said.

“It’s not even a big deal, it’s nothing really, there are people that still need help ... particularly over Christmas, it would be awful if there weren’t people around to help.

“Everyone comes together over Christmas, so it’s lovely to be able to be that person who can offer support and offer help over that period.”

Emergency services volunteers responded to 1461 incidents in 31 days leading up to January 1, 2025.

Among those, 519 SES volunteers were called to 52 incidents and Volunteer Marine Rescue personnel attended 270 incidents, including 225 rescues and 33 marine searches.

Volunteer firefighters — including the Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service, Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services and Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade — responded to 1333 incidents, including 461 bushfires, 213 road crash rescues and 38 structure fires.

Surf Life Saving WA also performed 113 rescues between Christmas Eve and New Years Day, whilst St John WA volunteers attended 1700 ambulance triple zero calls.

Jarrahdale Volunteer Bushfire Brigade captain Sarah Davis said fires did not stop just because it was Christmas.

“We’ve got to be ready 24/7 ... and make sure there’s enough people around town that can turn out and have the trucks ready,” she said.

“I want to get out there and make sure it’s all safe for everyone.”

Earlier this month, the veteran firefighter — who has been volunteering for the past 15 years — was deployed to a ferocious bushfire in Geraldton, which destroyed a home and burnt more than 130ha.

Ms Davis said it was incredibly gratifying knowing that she could help the community and keep locals safe.

“The most rewarding part is helping people when they’re at their worst and most vulnerable,” she said.

“Being able to help the residents and letting them know that things are going to be OK and we’ve got it under control is amazing.

“I love it and I wouldn’t be doing anything else.”

Coogee Beach surf life saver Patrick Rivers said Christmas Day patrols were introduced at Coogee Beach about five years ago.

“A lot of people go to the beach that don’t go often and there is a heightened risk of people doing stuff that might end with an unfavourable outcome,” he said.

“We thought it was important we should be there to spread the message of prevention and be there in case something goes wrong.

“No one wants something nasty happening on Christmas Day, so whatever we can do to prevent and support felt like an important thing to do.”

Mr Rivers and his family will celebrate together on Christmas Eve. Coogee Beach patrols start at 8am on Christmas morning.

“My mother-in-law is coming out from the UK, so we’re going to have a fantastic Christmas with her,” he said.

“We have a large proportion of our friend base through the club, so I get a lot of personal satisfaction from doing that and hopefully helping run the club and support the organisation.”

Fire and Emergency Services commissioner Darren Klemm thanked the thousands of volunteers helping the WA community this Christmas.

“As many in our community wind down over Christmas and spend time with their families, our volunteers continue to give generously of their own time, stepping away from loved ones to provide essential support during critical incidents and emergencies,” he said.

“Our volunteers are not only there when emergencies occur, they also work closely with their communities to help prevent, prepare for and recover from these events.

“On behalf of all Western Australians, I extend my sincere thanks to these selfless individuals who serve our State, not only throughout the festive season but every day of the year.”

St John WA group chief executive Kevin Brown — who is a volunteer himself — said volunteers were the “heart” of the organisation.

“Their dedication, compassion and commitment make a real difference to communities across Western Australia,” he said.

“I thank them sincerely for the vital role they play every day.”

Emergency Services Minister Paul Papalia said volunteers were an “irreplaceable asset to our community”.

“Their sacrifice of self in service of others represents the very best of what it is to be Australian,” he said.