Volunteering with St John's Ambulance

What St John Ambulance volunteers do

St John Ambulance is one of the UK's leading first aid charities. Volunteers provide medical cover at public events and support the NHS during busy periods. If you want to learn practical health skills and use them to help others, St John Ambulance offers structured training and regular opportunities to put that training into practice.

Event first aiders are probably the most visible role. You will often see St John Ambulance teams at music festivals, football matches, marathons and local community gatherings. Their job is to treat minor injuries on site and provide initial care for more serious incidents until paramedics arrive.

Beyond events, volunteers also work in community programmes, youth education and patient transport. Some support NHS ambulance services directly as Community First Responders or through ambulance response units staffed by trained volunteers. The range of roles means there is usually something to suit different interests, availability and physical capabilities.

Volunteer Role Finder

Answer a few questions about your interests, skills, and availability and get matched with the types of volunteering that suit you best. Whether you want to work with people, animals, or the environment, we will find your ideal role.

Try our Volunteer Role Finder free, here on this site →

Training and qualifications

New volunteers receive first aid training, though the specific content and duration varies by role and location. You will learn how to respond to common emergencies including cardiac arrest, choking, bleeding, fractures, burns and unconsciousness.

Training also covers how to assess a scene, call for help appropriately, and keep a patient calm while waiting for professional medical support. You receive a certificate that qualifies you as a first aider. The validity period for certificates can vary depending on the course, so check with St John Ambulance for current guidance on when refresher training is needed.

St John Ambulance offers further training for those who want to develop their skills. Options may include advanced first aid and trauma care, mental health first aid, working with young people as a youth leader, and cycle response or event management roles.

Core training is provided free to volunteers. Some advanced courses may have fees, though these are often subsidised. The organisation invests in volunteer training to ensure high quality care.

Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.

How to get involved

St John Ambulance has units across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Scotland has a separate organisation called St Andrew First Aid, which operates independently but offers similar volunteering opportunities.

To find your nearest unit, visit the St John Ambulance website and use their volunteer search tool. You can filter by location and role type. Most areas have active groups, though availability of specific roles may vary depending on local need.

The sign up process typically involves an online application, an interview and a DBS check. Local procedures may differ slightly, so contact your nearest unit for precise requirements. This level of checking is standard for any volunteering role that involves working with the public or vulnerable groups. Once approved, you will be invited to start your training and join a local team.

Time commitments vary by role. Event volunteers might work a few weekends a month during busy seasons. Community roles may involve regular weekly hours. The organisation generally tries to be flexible, recognising that volunteers have jobs, families and other responsibilities.

Is it right for you

Volunteering with St John Ambulance suits people who want hands on involvement rather than administrative or fundraising work. You will be dealing with real situations, sometimes under pressure, so a calm temperament helps.

Physical fitness requirements depend on the role. Event first aiders may be on their feet for long shifts and need to carry equipment. Other roles, such as training support or youth work, may be less physically demanding.

No prior medical knowledge is required, as comprehensive training is provided. What matters more is reliability, willingness to learn and an ability to work as part of a team.

If you are unsure whether this type of volunteering suits you, consider trying a taster session or speaking to existing volunteers at a local event. Many volunteers find that first aid knowledge proves valuable not only at St John Ambulance activities but also in everyday life.

The Next Step

Now that you have read through the advice above, you might want to put it into practice. Our Volunteer Role Finder lets you answer a few questions about your interests, skills, and availability and get matched with the types of volunteering that suit you best. Whether you want to work with people, animals, or the environment, we will find your ideal role. Try it now →