St Johns or Red Cros

C

Cymro

Full Registered User
Im thinking of becoming a volunteer to train as a first aider. I would very much like to get experience at big events, like football matches etc.
Im thinking that volunteering will get me loads of good experience with first aid, and also look fantastic for CV purpopses.

what do you guys recommend,

St Johns or Red Cross?
I have no experience with either and their web sites dont describe much. So just wondering if anyone on here has had any experience with these volunteer bodies?
 
Red Cross level of training is currently better than St Johns, and you are able to get to IHCD Tech level. A few years ago, St Johns was better, but not at the minute (but then I'm on the Red Cross volunteer council so I'm biased!)

Recently volunteers have attended the Rockness, Belladrum festival, Isle of Man TT, and Monaco Grand Prix as Ambulance crew so they have a far reaching remit with access to a volunteers via an online hub / portal.
 
I also did my First Aid training with Red Cross, I thought the standard of instruction was very good.
 
St John have some great people working for them. Sadly in my own (and a few others related experiences) the majority leave something to be desired. I personally have had more bad experiences with their volunteers than good.
 
I did three years as an event first aider with the Red Cross and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
The training was ok.
 
I can only comment on the training provider I used to re-qualify when I renewed my CP licence.
I used my local St John Ambulance to train with, and I have nothing but praise for the instructors here in Hertfordshire.

Whichever you choose either Red Cross or St John you should get the best training out there and bang up to date medical advise and Scenarios etc.

If need be visit your local branch to get a feel for what they offer.

D
 
As in many things it can be down to individual staff. I applied to both st john and red cross. St john didnt reply other than - we aee reorganizing and will get back to you .....
 
At the moment I won’t hire a Red Cross or St John trainer without seeing them teach first. The quality of instruction and subject knowledge that I have personally seen is that bad. I try to attend one FAW course per year as a student (CPD + make sure I haven’t missed anything new). In the last year two years I have experienced; Death by PowerPoint, 16 students on a course, been told Mouth to Mouth is no longer used or that you don’t seal round the Mouth, just blow into the mouth from a few inches away.

If you already have a FAW cert (AED +O2 would be a help) then try the local event medical cover companies in your area, you will get experience, options for training, a foot in the door for further work and paid.
 
I was a first aid volunteer with St John for 4 years and had some great times. but have now left due to all the changes that are going on which are not for the better. The Red Cross are much better at the moment especially you live in a big city where there s
plenty of work. Doing events was what got me into Door Work but first aid event work is better than security work, you re fed and treated better even though not paid. If you can combine both then you ll have a great time.
 
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