Emergency Responder

Key information

What to expect

• Assessing and treating patients
• Safe discharging of patients
• Assisting with the moving and handling of patients, including those who are not able to move themselves
• Working both independently and as part of a team
• In the absence of a more clinically qualified person (e.g. Ambulance Crew or Healthcare Professional), taking charge of a first aid scene and leading in the delivery of patient care
• Providing robust handovers to colleagues and emergency services
• Understanding clinical prevention and the appropriate need for escalation and reporting
• Representing St John Ambulance positively and in line with our HEART values.

Benefits of volunteering

Make a Positive Impact: Help individuals in critical situations and contribute to the well-being of your community.

Personal Fulfilment: Experience a deep sense of satisfaction from mentoring and supporting others during challenging times.

Skill Development: Enhance your leadership, communication, and organisational skills.

Teamwork Opportunities: Build strong relationships and expand your professional network while working as part of a dedicated team.

Exclusive Discounts: Gain access to special offers through sites like Blue Light Card.

Expense Coverage: Have your out-of-pocket expenses reimbursed.

Flexible Commitment: Volunteer at least 100 hours per year, roughly one day a month, allowing for a manageable balance with your personal life.

Empowerment: Contribute positively to your community while developing your own skills and well-being.

How often will I be volunteering?

At least 100 hours per year, roughly one day per month.

Meeting these hours will form part of the annual revalidation for your role. The requirement can be adjusted in unforeseen or unavoidable circumstances, for example if you are unexpectedly unwell.

What you’ll bring to the role

• Ability to use your training to recognise the welfare and wellness needs of those you interact with
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally with a wide range of people
• Ability to motivate, inspire and support others
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with a wide range of people
• Strong listening, compassion, and empathy skills
• Enthusiasm for the work of St John Ambulance and ability to model our values
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Ability to move around an event site to patrol and reach patients
• Ability to kneel by a collapsed patient and deliver effective chest compressions for at least two minutes without stopping
• Ability to assist with the moving & handling of patients, including those who may not be able to move themselves

• Good functional skills with Maths, English and IT (as a guide, roughly the equivalent of passing GCSEs at grade C / 4 or above).

What you'll learn

• Induction programme introducing you to the charity
• An accredited Emergency Responder course, to provide you with the skills, knowledge and understanding to provide the appropriate care prior to the arrival of an ambulance.
• Essential training including safeguarding, health & safety and GDPR

How you’ll get started

Application: fill out an application form online to register your interest

Interview: We will invite you to participate in an informal interview to discuss your interest in the Emergency Responder role. This conversation will allow us to learn more about your skills and motivations, and how they align with our mission at St John Ambulance. We look forward to understanding how you can contribute to our team and make a positive impact in the community.

Recruitment checks: To keep everyone safe, we’ll need to run right to volunteer checks, a health check, an enhanced DBS check and complete other checks like two references - just a standard procedure when volunteering in this type of role.

Get started: You’ll meet the team again and the people you are going to be volunteering with, start your training and begin making an impact!