Help us to continue to save lives

TODAY WE TALK TO ST. JOHN AMBULANCE UNIT

What will you do with this year’s Wish money?

This year we would love to spend any money raised through Wish on newer training equipment.

Amongst the things that we would like to buy are automated external defibrillators. In this way whatever we raise it will go to helping save people’s lives.

Tell us about your group.

We are volunteers who provide first aid to local events. We also have cadets aged between 10 and 18 years old and adults aged 18 and over.

We teach the cadets first aid skills – and they then help us to cover events such at Newcastle United Football Club, Sunderland Association Football Club as well the Great North Run.

Everyone can benefit from the work – our cadets and the community at large.

What kind of activities take place at your group?

First aid related, mainly in the community.

Who is the longest serving member of your group?

We have members in our unit who have been with St John for more than 30 years.

Tell us about the biggest or best activity or event your group has organised.

We work with various agencies covering events such as Great North Run. This year we were at the seven mile mark, encouraging the runners as well as treating them.

What is your group’s proudest moment to date?

Teaching young people and then parents telling me that their child has saved a family member’s life by using the skills I have passed to them.

Why should someone join your group?

We give members the skills to save lives. As well as we that we help members with new careers such as joining NHS. We are a family – we provide aid and support where needed.

What makes you proud to be from the North East using five words?

We are friendly, caring people.