Almost 40 years after St John Ambulance volunteers helped Martin Fisk OAM during a medical incident, he is now leading the ACT branch as the new chief executive officer.

Mr Fisk was at a concert at the Hordern Pavilion in Sydney when he passed out.

Two St John volunteers looked after him until the paramedics arrived.

“I’ve always held St John Ambulance with high respect and a level of thanks for helping me out,” Mr Fisk told CD.

“Since that time, I’ve been involved (assisted) in four other first aid events; one was a member of my staff when I was working in Sydney, two motor vehicle accidents and a bush rescue that involved a helicopter evacuation.

“So, first aid and the importance of first aid has always been at the front of my mind.”

Mr Fisk said when the opportunity for the role came up, which he started on Monday 16  September, he thought it was a great opportunity to be part of the organisation.

“I can support and assist the staff and the volunteers and the amazing work they do,” he said.

Mr Fisk said in his first 12 months of the role, he hopes to see more people trained in first aid and more defibrillators available in the community, including shopping centres, workplaces and buildings.

He said it was critical for people to be trained in first aid.

“None of us know when somebody is going to have a medical emergency or there’s going to be an accident,” Mr Fisk said.

“They just need somebody to be able to look after them and check they’re okay in the time before there’s an ambulance there.”

Mr Fisk previously held senior leadership roles at Menslink, Fearless Women, the ACT Human Rights Commission and Project Independence.

He also volunteers with a range of community activities and organisations.

When not helping others, Mr Fisk said he enjoyed bushwalking, cross-country skiing and walking around Lake Tuggeranong.