Volunteer with us

Volunteers on duty

New volunteers are primarily required as first aiders but we also have opportunities for support workers.

We are looking for volunteers aged 16 and over. Below this age they need to contact Chelmsford Cadets.

Last year our volunteers gave over 12,848 hours of their time in a variety of different roles to help in the local community. We treated in excess of 467 casualties whilst on duty.

Uniformed volunteers

All volunteers for the uniformed activities have induction training, which includes:

  • the moving and handling for first aider course 
  • the first aid modules of primary survey
  • resuscitation of adults, children and infants
  • treatment of the unconscious casualty
  • minor and severe bleeding
  • choking and chest pains.

Upon completion they can then wear the uniform and assist us at public events. All essential uniform is provided free on loan. Volunteers are expected to attend a reasonable number of public events every year to provide our community services. The events are mainly at weekends. Our volunteers are supported by a network of healthcare professionals who give their expertise. If you are interested, why not drop us a line via email.

I wanted to join St John Ambulance to enhance my first aid skills, but I've gotten a lot more out of joining than I thought!

Ian
Member, Chelmsford division

New volunteers

After the induction training, new volunteers move on to qualify as first aiders as soon as reasonably possible by learning another 13 first aid modules and passing the role test.

Further progression to advanced first aider can be done at any time, by training in the additional modules, including Automated External Defibrillation (AED). However, the award of this qualification is subject to gaining sufficient competence and passing the role test.

After two years first aiders are able to be trained as Ambulance Patient Transport Attendants. These members transport patients in ambulances in non emergency journeys. After gaining more experience Patient Transport Attendants can train as Ambulance Emergency Transport Attendants. ETA's can attend emergencies and transport casualties and other patients anywhere including to accident and emergency hospitals.

Drivers need to qualify at our county Emergency Driving School to be able to be drive ambulances and response cars on emergency journeys.

Training

Training is provided on our general training and meeting night on Wednesday evenings, but some courses are held on other days. If you are considering volunteering for Chelmsford Division you should either:

  • make contact with our Divisional Superintendent for further information
  • turn up at our HQ at 140 Mildmay Road, Chelmsford on Wednesday evenings
  • or contact us via the St John Ambulance Essex County office.

Want to know more?

To start the joining process new volunteers usually have a chat with our officers on their first visit to us to establish their needs, expectations and match them with our opportunities. If you want to find out more, our volunteers are waiting to meet you! Find out more by making contact with us.