Lachlan is an exemplary 16-year-old who is part of St John Youth through his school. St John Youth is a program centred around ‘Service to the Community’. At present, there are over 500 Youth Members and led by more than 100 Adult Youth Staff in community and school-based divisions. The program equips young people with the skills and confidence needed to help the community in first aid emergencies – and sometimes, like in Lachlan's case, that community member happens to be right at home.

A devoted brother and skilled first aider, Lachlan jumped to his big sister’s rescue when she experienced a tonic-clonic seizure for the first time. During these episodes, a person loses consciousness, and their muscles stiffen before convulsing rapidly. Despite the traumatic scene, Lachlan remained calm and began to administer first aid, which he learned through St John Youth.

A few months later, his sister experienced another seizure – this time, she had hit her head several times on the wall. Lachlan quickly called Triple Zero, then grabbed a blanket to protect his sister’s head. He remained calm and reassured his mum, while staying close to his sister until paramedics arrived.

Lachlan was named the Youth (Under-18) Champion for the 2023 First Aid Champion Awards. As he was unable to attend the ceremony at the Melbourne Town Hall on 9 August, Lachlan and his family were invited to the St John Ambulance Victoria headquarters in Notting Hill for a special trophy presentation ceremony. There, Chief Operating Officer Peter Ayres presented the prestigious First Aid Champion Awards trophy, witnessed by staff members from across the organisation.