St John Ambulance Cymru

St John Ambulance Cymru, a first aid reference in Wales

St John Ambulance Cymru is a charity dedicated to first aid in Wales. With over a century of presence in the country, its activity spans training, healthcare service provision, event medical cover, and volunteering. The organisation presents itself as the first aid charity for Wales and states that its mission is to enhance the health and wellbeing of Welsh communities.

Healthcare services and event cover

The organisation offers healthcare services including patient transport, event medical cover, contract services, and falls response. These services can be booked through its website. The organisation also provides first aid treatment as part of its activities.

First aid training

St John Ambulance Cymru delivers first aid courses aimed at community groups and workplaces. Its training offer includes community courses, free e-learning, and workplace courses. Available programmes include First Aid at Work, Emergency First Aid at Work, Fire Marshal, Mental Health First Aid, and IOSH Managing Safely. The organisation has introduced a new blended Emergency First Aid at Work course.

Volunteering and youth programmes

Involvement with the organisation is through volunteering, fundraising, and donations. Volunteers can help at events, fundraise their own way, or leave gifts in their wills. There are specific programmes for children and young people: Badgers, for ages 5 to 11, and Cadets, for ages 11 to 15, along with youth leaders. Support is also possible through schools, corporate support, or by playing the charity's lottery.

First aid advice resources

The organisation's website publishes first aid advice for adults and for children and infants. Content includes CPR for adults, choking in adults, severe bleeding, CPR for infants, and CPR for children, among others.

Structure, history, and governance

The organisation is part of The Order of St John and maintains links with the St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital. Its structure includes a leadership team, a board of directors, and board meeting minutes. The organisation publishes an impact report, a strategy for 2025-30, and an annual report. Its history includes milestones such as the opening of a new division in Ynys Môn, based at the Rimon Than Healthcare Facility at RAF Valley, and the awarding of an MBE to a volunteer with over half a century of service in Newtown, Powys. It also maintains a partnership with Nationwide Building Society.

Presence and activity in Wales

The organisation operates in Wales and has local divisions, such as those in Carmarthen and Ynys Môn. It is registered in England and Wales with charity number 250523 and company number 05071073.