St John Ambulance volunteers are a common sight at many major sports matches, concerts and public events, providing first aid and emergency healthcare. St John Ambulance is a volunteer-led organisation, which is appealing for new volunteers to step forward for training. What commitment is expected from those stepping forward to help out?
Event Volunteering
The most visible work done by St John Ambulance is at events such as concerts and sporting events where they work alongside paramedics and NHS staff to keep everyone safe. First aiders volunteering with St John Ambulance may therefore get the opportunity to attend their favourite team’s football matches free of charge or be on duty at a sell-out concert, but of course this doesn’t mean that you’ll necessarily get to see all of the action. First aid stations are positioned around the ground, and if you are stationed in the foyer or entrance, you may not see much at all.
Although there is no pay for volunteering with St John Ambulance, volunteers won’t be out of pocket either. The charity supplies training and uniform, and the host venue typically supplies volunteers with food and refreshments while working. Volunteers are also usually able to claim back any travel expenses for getting to the venue or stadium.
Volunteer Requirements
There is a selection process for St John Ambulance volunteers. This starts by going to their website and clicking on the “get involved” button on the website where you can read pages of information about what it’s like to be a volunteer and what duties you may be expected to perform. Volunteers have to be aged over 18, but there are youth organisations for children aged between 5 and 17 too. Most volunteering opportunities are in the evening or at weekends, although there may be occasions when you can volunteer during the week too. St John Ambulance volunteers were involved in the Covid-19 vaccine roll-out, for example.
DBS Checks
The key criteria for joining St John Ambulance as a volunteer – other than a real desire to help people – is an enhanced disclosure certificate. If you are accepted by St John Ambulance as a volunteer, the organisation will lead you through the process of applying for your certificate. An enhanced disclosure check looks at an applicant’s criminal record, considering any recent criminal convictions and cautions as well as more distant ones should they be relevant. It’s a common belief that this level of check has to be completely clear in order to secure a position, but this isn’t the case. Each certificate is considered individually. Volunteers won’t be able to start their training with St John Ambulance until the certificate arrives. The initial training for a St John Ambulance volunteer is three full days in the classroom, followed by regular sessions to keep skills up to date and practice what you have learned. It’s a great opportunity to give something back to the community and learn some new skills at the same time.
