By Justin Goulet (@JustinGoulet21)

St. John Ambulance looking for volunteers

Apr 11, 2019 | 10:45 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Knowing a bit of first aid can go a long way.

That’s according to Rudy Desmeules, business development coordinator with St. John Ambulance’s Alberta chapter.

The popular worldwide non-profit has been around for over 100 years and teaches first aid skills as well as emergency medicine.

“We respond to disasters … you’ll see St. John Ambulance at sporting events, and we have different community programs, some things like a pet therapy program where we have animals, usually a dog, that would go to say, a seniors’ home for visits,” Desmeules noted.

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Desmeules said it’s very important for people to be up-to-date on their first aid training.

“The chances of using first aid on someone you know are very high, especially if you have kids,” he said.

“You never know what you would come across in any given situation, whether it be at work, at home … you know, coming across a car accident, you’re able to assist and it may mean the difference for somebody’s life.”

The organization’s Alberta chapter also holds an annual competition in Edmonton. Desmeules said they get people across the province that attend.

There are competitions also held in the other provinces across Canada.

“It’s for all levels of skill,” he said.

It brings in teams ranging from high school students to co-workers in the oil fields of the province.

This year’s competition is at the West Edmonton Mall on April 27. Details can be found here: stjohn.ab.ca/2019-first-aid-competition.

NEED FOR VOLUNTEERS

Desmeules said there’s always a need for St. John Ambulance volunteers, even here in Lethbridge.

“It’s a great (way) to meet people, with lots of comradery. We also assist with disaster response, we’re part of the emergency plans for the city (of Lethbridge), so you get to go to some different (events),” he said.

“It’s a good life experience, and if you have any plans on becoming a first responder, it may help you create that stepping stone to a career.”

Anyone that wants to get involved with St. John Ambulance can call 1-800-665-7114 or visit the Lethbridge location’s Facebook page.