Search for
Search for
Search forSt John Ambulance appeals for more volunteers
Monday, September 29, 2008, 08:00
A team of 50 volunteers, based in Staverton, dedicate time each month to providing first aid and medical cover for organisations and charities.
But more recruits are always needed to keep levels of service up and they have launched an appeal for more volunteers to join up.
Among the services they provide is cover for home games played by Cheltenham Town Football Club.
A team of up to eight volunteers attend Whaddon Road every fortnight and are on standby to help players and members of the crowd.
David Field, divisional training officer at Staverton, said: "We work alongside two doctors on site to ensure everyone is okay.
"The main part of the job is working with people who feel ill with a range of complaints from chest pains to dizzyness – and even those who have been hit on the head by a wayward ball.
"We assess them and can send them in an ambulance to hospital, or call a doctor for a comprehensive assessment.
"Last week, a 17-year-old girl collapsed outside the ground with abdominal pains and we had to get her to hospital."
Volunteers undergo thorough training and are qualified to use defibrillator machines, oxygen and a range of first aid kit.
With such a range of skills they are called on to travel across the UK to events including the London Marathon, Wimbledon and cricket at Lords.
There are also opportunities to travel abroad with volunteers from Gloucestershire taking time to train people working in poor communities in Africa.
David says the service is set to become even more high profile as it bids to help with the London Olympics in 2012.
He added: "There is a real excitement with the Olympics approaching.
"Training ranges from first aid to advanced driving and it's never dull. We also rely on the skills of our backroom staff who keep us going."
Volunteers at the Staverton division range from 17 to 70 years of age and meet once a week at the St John Ambulance base in Staverton.
There are also other divisions which meet in Gloucester, Cheltenham, Coleford, Bourton-on-the-Water, Stroud and Wootton-under-Edge.
For more information, call the county office on 01452 858220 or email countyhq@gloucestershire.sja.org.uk
Pet Insurance- 5% Online Discount
UK Pet Insurance. Buy instantly online. From just £4.85 per month.
Get Free Wiis, Ps3s, Laptops Or 11 Months Free On 12 Month Deals.
Looking to buy a DIY conservatory? Master Plastics offer flat packed DIY conservatories built to your design for delivery to both DIY and trade users anywhere in the UK.
Be the first to comment