The inside of a working ambulance, how to deal with car crash patients and wound care were among the educational insights on offer when the local St John WA sub-branch opened its doors to the public.

The Great Southern sub-branch welcomed the community to its Sanford Road office for an open day on September 12.

Visitors young and old enjoyed a glimpse into the inner workings of the place that helps keep the region safe, with many hopefully taking away vital first aid knowledge from the event.

A dramatic RAC Road Trauma Roadshow was staged in the carpark to demonstrate how first responders address the emergency situation with the “patient” loaded into the ambulance as visitors looked on.

Tutorials on wound care, including plugging a deep cut and applying a tourniquet to an amputated limb, were performed by volunteers and staff who also offers advice on common first aid treatments.

Young ones enjoyed face painting and a ride in the miniature ambulance before a sausage sizzle feast.

Great Southern district operations manager Toni Melia said the response from the community was fantastic.

“Most people only see St John when they’re having an emergency, so it was wonderful to welcome people in when nobody was having a bad day,” she said.

“It was great to see so many people coming through the doors, asking questions and taking an interest in what our volunteers and crews do every day.

“Knowing what to do in those first few minutes of an emergency can make an enormous difference, so events like this are a great way to help people feel more confident about providing first aid when it matters.”