St John Ambulance began at the University of London and was set up to provide a bridge between St John Cadets and adult members, as well as reaching out to fellow students and the wider community. Twenty years later and there are now 60 St John Ambulance units at colleges and universities across England.
Cambridge University student Stuart Gill joined the group as a fresher.
“It seemed the next logical step for me as I’d been a Cadet for a few years beforehand, although, a lot of non-St John people also joined the group. For instance, postgraduate students were training PGCE students, rugby players and the Mountaineering Society in first aid, so it had a broader benefit across campus.”
For the majority of students, joining St John Ambulance is their first experience of St John Ambulance. After training, students get to work at many events, explains Nicola Helme of the National St John Ambulance Team.
“Units train members up so they can go out on first aid duty, working at events both within the local community as well as at their universities; in fact, many universities rely on St John Ambulance to provide first aid for their all events and students’ union functions.”
Festivals and friends
As well as providing hands-on first aid experience, St John Ambulance also gives its members a vibrant social life, with regular social activities.
“You will make lifelong friends through St John Ambulance,” adds Stuart. “I certainly had a lot of fun, and covered some really interesting events, such as music festivals, motorbike scrambles and college balls.
“You can also increase your employability as a result of the skills you learn,” continues Stuart.
“In my case, it led directly to my future career choice, working with disadvantaged young people.”
Volunteering remains an essential part of St John Ambulance today, expanding the reach of Britain’s leading first aid charity, raising funds and recruiting new volunteers.
“Students have proven themselves time and time again to be a real asset to St John Ambulance, and I believe they lead the way in the modernisation of the organisation,” says Nicola Helme.
How to join
If you are interested in joining St John Ambulance you can contact the St John Ambulance National Headquarters at recruitment@.sja.org.uk. Alternatively, look out for St John Ambulance at your university’s freshers’ fayre or contact your students’ union volunteering team who should be able to provide you with contact details for St John Ambulance at your university.
If your university does not have a St John Ambulance unit and you are interested in setting one up, please email the National Team