On Christmas afternoon, while many were celebrating with their families, Jonathan Kave was diligently washing down an ambulance and decontaminating equipment at the National St John Ambulance (NStJA) station. The Bravo Crew trainee had just wrapped up his day shift, knowing he would soon transition to night shifts later in the week. Jonathan is one of 19 new ambulance officers who graduated on November 27, completing a challenging 10-week Ambulance Officer Level One Course at the National Ambulance Education College. The training prepared him for the real world of emergency response, a world he has already stepped into with dedication and passion. Reflecting on his Christmas shift, Jonathan shared, “Today, I’ve responded to six different emergencies. These ranged from a motor vehicle collision to a drowning incident and other medical conditions. The ambulance I’m assigned to is one of the clinician units, which responds to cases requiring critical medical assistance.” This shift marked Jonathan’s third ride-along as a trainee ambulance officer, and he described his experience with genuine emotion. “I find this job incredibly satisfying,” he said. “Helping someone in need and seeing the gratitude from them or their families is truly heart-warming.” For Jonathan, this career isn’t just a job, it’s personal. His journey into emergency medical services began with a life-changing moment in August 2023. “My dad, an oral cancer patient, became unresponsive and stopped breathing,” he recounted. “We called the ambulance, and when the officers arrived, they stabilized him, gave him oxygen, and transported him to Port Moresby General Hospital.” At the time, Jonathan did not fully grasp what was happening. “I just thought we were losing him,” he said. Although his father was later discharged and travelled to the Philippines for further treatment, he sadly passed away that same year. But Jonathan never forgot the compassion and professionalism of the ambulance officers, whom he affectionately refers to as the “Green Angels.” Inspired by this experience, Jonathan began his own journey into emergency medical services. After completing his studies in Information Technology at Don Bosco Technical Institute, he saw an advertisement for first responder training. He decided to take the leap. In December 2023, Jonathan completed the one-week training and started volunteering with NStJA under the Event Health Services team. His dedication did not go unnoticed, and soon he was offered a role as a medical call-taker at the National Ambulance Operations Command Centre. When the recruitment for ambulance officers was announced, Jonathan eagerly applied and was accepted into the program. While studying at the National Ambulance Education College, a casual conversation revealed a remarkable coincidence in which one of his educators had been part of the crew that responded to his father’s emergency. This discovery only deepened Jonathan’s sense of purpose and commitment. “Working as a trainee ambulance officer is more than just a dream come true for me,” he said. “It’s a way to give back to the organization that helped my family and to serve my community and country.” Jonathan’s story is one of resilience, gratitude, and a heartfelt desire to help others. As he continues his journey, completing his trainee program and facing new challenges, he remains motivated by his personal mission to make a difference. For Jonathan, each shift is more than a job but it’s a calling to serve and give back.