Like our colleagues from the other blue light services and at the hospital, St John staff and volunteers will be working over the Christmas and New Year period to help keep Guernsey healthy and safe.
St John volunteer Community First Responders will be responding to immediately life threatening incidents in their vicinity. Volunteer drivers from the Patient Transport Service will be continuing to take patients needing dialysis to the Renal Unit at the PEH. The Inshore Rescue Boat volunteers will also be out on the water as part of the medical cover for the Boxing Day Swim at Cobo.
Paramedics, Emergency Medical Technicians and Emergency Care Assistants will be on duty 24-7 throughout the festive period, responding to medical emergencies and accidents around the island.
Police officer Andy Bell volunteers as a CFR and will be available for much of the Christmas period. Andy said “As a response police officer I am aware how busy it is during the festive period and the offer of help as a CFR is made to assist my colleagues at St John where ever possible. The first few minutes for a more serious medical condition is vital, if I am close enough to assist then I’ll gladly help.”
Fellow volunteer CFR and part-time Emergency Care Assistant Robin Gonard will be on duty on Christmas Day. He added “I will be making myself available during the Christmas period to support St John. I know it is a busy time for the Ambulance Service as accidents and medical problems don’t stop just because it’s a bank holiday. With my family 600 miles away, I will be looking after those who need me in the Guernsey community, while allowing my colleagues with children to have the opportunity to spend Christmas with them.”
Paramedic Steve Torode said “We all accept Christmas day working as part of the job. Although I would love to be at home with my family, people will still need our help whatever the time or season. The satisfaction gained from doing this job outweighs the inconvenience of being away from family at Christmas. Although my children may not always agree.”
Acting Chief Ambulance Officer, Ali Marquis added “I’d like to thank all of our staff and volunteers for their continued hard work this year and especially those who will be working this Christmas time. Our emergency crews will be there, ready to respond, just as they are the rest of the year. I’d like to wish all our staff and volunteers, as well as all our supporters and the public, a very happy Christmas and New Year”.
The St John Health Care Shop will be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. The St John Library will next open on Tuesday 2nd January.