Friday 15 August 2025: St John Ambulance announces the appointment of Professor Andrew Hartle as its Chief Medical Officer, a role that will see him champion clinical excellence and provide strategic oversight for the charity’s medical operations and services.

Andrew has been a dedicated St John volunteer since 2022. His frontline experience spans major sporting fixtures to high-profile ceremonial events, where his expertise in delivering advanced pre-hospital care has been instrumental. Most recently, he played a pivotal role in shaping St John’s clinical guidelines on pre-hospital emergency anaesthesia, and the management of exertional heat illness.

Beyond his contributions to the charity, Andrew brings an extraordinary wealth of experience from across the healthcare sector. He is a Consultant Anaesthetist at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, working in the Major Trauma Centre at St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington, and holds the title of Professor of Practice (Anaesthesia) at Imperial College London. His leadership extends nationally as Civilian Consultant Advisor to the Royal Air Force and President of the Tri Service Anaesthetic Society. He is also a Past President of both the Association of Anaesthetists and the Anaesthesia Section of the Royal Society of Medicine. In addition to his clinical role, Andrew brings extensive experience of clinical and corporate governance, clinical ethics and has been a charity trustee for almost two decades.

On his appointment, Andrew said: I’m excited to step into the role of Chief Medical Officer at such an important time for St John. As the charity adapts to a rapidly evolving landscape across healthcare and the regulatory sector, I’m committed to upholding our high clinical standards and ensure volunteers are supported, empowered, and equipped to deliver exceptional care for our patients.

As Chief Medical Officer, Andrew will serve as the voice of the medical profession within St John Ambulance, providing clinical support and advice to the Medical Director, Executive and Trustee bodies of the organisation on matters relating to medicine and pre-hospital care.