St John Ambulance
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A First Aider kneeling on the ground looking at something on the floor. They are putting on blue medical gloves. There are two other First Aiders kneeling in front of them. In the background, there is an ambulance and another person standing wearing a high-vis vest.

First aid roles

Whether you’re a qualified healthcare professional or have zero experience of first aid, there are lots of ways you can get involved.

Start your journey

First aid is at the heart of everything that our volunteers do

At St John Ambulance, we rely on thousands of amazing volunteers to deliver our life-saving work in communities across the country. Most of them are helping patients in need or educating the public about the importance of learning first aid.

If you are passionate about helping others and want to make a real difference in your community, then come and join our incredible team. Your actions could save lives.

Types of roles

  • Community First Aider

  • Emergency Responder

  • Healthcare and Allied Health Professionals – paramedic, doctor, nurse, nursing associate, physician associate, physiotherapist, midwives, dentists, pharmacists, occupational therapists and podiatrists

  • Student Volunteer

Search our live volunteer opportunities to see the full list of roles and their requirements currently available in your area.

Benefits of volunteering with us

  • Have a positive impact on your local community – you might be treating someone while waiting for emergency services to arrive, or giving a free first aid demonstration to a nearby school.

  • Gain new experiences for your CV – there are lots of opportunities to practise your skills in different environments such as festivals, football stadiums, and mass participation events.

  • Learn new skills – build your personal and professional skills such as communication, leadership, teamwork and self-confidence.

  • Be part of a thriving volunteer network – you’ll get to meet new people and connect with other volunteers and health professionals.

A portrait of a St John Ambulance volunteer.

Do I need previous experience of first aid?

You don't need previous first aid experience for some of our roles, like a Community First Aider or Emergency Responder. We’ll provide you with all the training and guidance you need to get started. We just ask that you come with a willingness to learn, a compassionate mindset, and the ability to communicate well as part of a team.

Some roles will require you to have a certain level of physical fitness so that you are able to move around and treat patients at events.

If you’re unsure about delivering first aid, then there are still lots of other ways you can get involved. Why not try volunteering with young people or providing essential support behind the scenes? Or if you’re looking for a step up, then take a look at our leadership roles.

Ready to make a difference?

Find out which roles are available near you.

Start your journey