St John Ambulance appeals for 1,500 Emergency Responder volunteers

Leading first aid charity St John Ambulance is focusing on a major recruitment drive to find 1,500 new Emergency Responders to help keep people safe at events and in communities across the country.

The charity is encouraging people from Oldham and Tameside to make contact or look for further details and submit applications via its website at https://www.sja.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer-opportunities/emergency-responder/. 

Emergency Responders are part of St John’s frontline first aid and clinical teams, providing essential care and reassurance when someone is hurt or suddenly taken ill, and supporting safe onward care where needed.  

New volunteers joining through this recruitment appeal will help deliver the charity’s mission and meet demand from event customers, as training and deployments ramp up through 2026. 

As an Emergency Responder, you’ll be involved in many areas keeping members of the public safe at events and in the community.  

You’ll be a reassuring presence, offering treatment for a wide range of injuries and conditions, or contributing to a team delivering life‑saving care in serious emergencies.  

You can expect to assess and treat patients, work independently and as part of a team, take charge of a first aid scene when appropriate, and provide clear handovers to colleagues and emergency services, all while representing St John Ambulance and its values. 

The charity is particularly keen to hear from people who want to make a direct difference in their community, whether they’re looking for a new challenge, valuable experience for a future healthcare career, or simply a meaningful way to give back. 

St John Ambulance is encouraging applications from people aged 18 and over who are calm under pressure, can communicate clearly, and are willing to learn.  

No previous first aid experience is needed as the charity will provide all the required training and support to help volunteers build confidence and competence in the role. 

Emergency Responders are typically asked to volunteer around 100 hours per year, depending on local needs. All successful applicants will need to pass an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. 

“Volunteering with St John Ambulance is one of the most rewarding things you can do, and as an Emergency Responder you really are there in the moments that matter,” said Kevin Munday, Chief Commissioner at St John Ambulance.  

“You might be the person who brings calm to a frightening situation, provides urgent care, or helps someone safely on their way home or into the hands of the NHS. We’ll train you, support you, and you’ll be part of a brilliant team - but what you bring is your compassion, your commitment and your willingness to step up when it counts.”