Volunteer opportunities with St. John Ambulance

by Heidi Riley

St. John Ambulance offers a number of programs that are run with the help of volunteers.

The Therapy Dog program provides regular visits to public settings in hospitals, seniors’ residences, nursing homes, universities, airports, and more – anywhere someone might benefit from the unconditional love of a dog. This program is for anyone with a dog that they think would be a good fit for the program.

Application process

• Apply online and submit three references.
• An interview with the Community Services team.
• Provide updated veterinary records and proof of vaccination to make sure the dog is in good health.
• Pre-evaluation: Talking to the owner about events coming up and what to expect.
• An in-person Therapy Dog Evaluation will put you and your dog through some stressors and situations you may encounter during a facility visit.
• A supervised visit to a facility.
• Regular visits are scheduled once or twice weekly, and special one-off events are held as well.

Active service and/or emotional support dogs are not able to join the program unless they are retired.

The Volunteer Medical Responder program

Well-trained and well-equipped, St. John Ambulance Medical First Response volunteers attend public events to provide basic and advanced medical care when first aid emergencies occur. “No previous experience is required – just an interest in helping people,” says Jazlyn MacLeod, Community Relations and Administrative Support.

Application process

• Apply online
• Three references required
• Interview with community services
• Attend a division meeting/training night
• Book into a training course if needed
• Sign up for upcoming training opportunities and events

You will be trained in Standard First Aid and attend meetings which are hands-on and scenario based to develop your skills. From the moment you finish your Standard First Aid training, you can sign up through their Volunteer Management System to begin attending community events. You will always be teamed with a volunteer who has Advanced Medical First Responder (AMFR) training. Eventually, you will have a chance to take the AMFR course as well.

Both volunteer positions require an updated criminal record and vulnerable sector check.