At St Andrews First Aid we couldn’t do what we do without our volunteers. They have been integral to our organisation since 1882 and are still at the heart of what we do today. From first aid cover at football fixtures and events, to talks and demos in communities and schools, our wonderful volunteers are the reason St Andrew’s First Aid is well known across Scotland.
Our Volunteering History
The 1900’s brought the introduction of St Andrew’s Ambulance Corps. This was the establishment of the Corps companies, consisting of volunteers who qualified as First Aiders, and provided first aid classes and the provision of first aid services at events. The introduction of the horse drawn ambulances further developed the services provided as serious casualties could be taken to hospital.
During both the First and Second World Wars, our team of volunteers were on the front line as part of the army’s foreign service unit. As well as on the front line, we had a team of volunteers back home transporting injured servicemen on ambulance trains and forwarding them straight to hospital.
Post war, St Andrew’s Ambulance Corps companies could be found all over Scotland, in commerce and industry, railway stations, mining pits, industrial companies to name a few. Our presence could be found throughout society, and it was recognised with the Corps Jubilee Review where we were reviewed at Ibrox Stadium by HRH the Duke of Edinburgh.
The 2020’s have allowed St Andrew’s First Aid to continue with our mission of Creating a Nation of Lifesavers. We currently have over 900 volunteers across the country who are dedicated to donating their own time to keeping the people of Scotland safe and will be there if someone is in need. We work in schools teaching young people both physical and mental health first aid as well as delivering talks and demos to community groups. We believe that everyone can be a lifesaver and with the help of your kind donations, we can continue our work.
“I can’t tell you why I love it, I just do! I still work full time and I’m busy at home but it’s something I do that’s mine and I love all aspects of it, even when its -3 and we’re freezing at the Football!”
Karene Forrester, Volunteer since 2007.
In 2022, we had a VERY busy year. With Covid procedures easing off, we were able to get back to our full capacity with events, talks and demos and even our company meetings! It’s been a year of many new volunteers and opportunities for our organisation but we couldn’t be more proud of our team of lifesavers helping out whenever and wherever they can.
Check out these amazing stats from last year!
How To Become A Volunteer
As a volunteer with St Andrew’s First Aid you will have access to training and development opportunities and be given the chance to attend a wide range of national and local events, where your skills, knowledge and experience may be required to help someone – and may even save their life!
Want to know what we expect of each volunteer? Check out our graphic below!
If becoming a volunteer is something you’d like to be involved in, fill in out contact form below and our team will be in touch!