British Red Cross or St John Ambulance First Aid Training & Volunteering

Tigersilly

Hi, I am based in London and have approached the BRC and SJA as I would like to train and volunteer as a first aider. Does anyone volunteer with either of these organisations?

I'd like to know:
- Does training differ in any way?
- On average, does one organization take longer than the other to qualify a first aider?
- Do the events covered differ?

Many thanks!

Horace

In the past I have volunteered for SJA but have used the Red Cross on occasion to provide first aid cover at events. I do not know anything about how the Red Cross trains their volunteers but I should imagine that it is pretty much the same because they have to train according to the current law regarding first aid.

I think there are more volunteering opportunities at events if you train and volunteer for the SJA.

A first aid course takes on average 3 days if you do the first aid at work qualification with SJA (no idea with the Red Cross) but I have done one day refresher courses that are valid for three others with my local council as part of my own volunteering activity.

Hope this answers some of your questions.

tommytynan123

Hi
I work for the Red Cross in a voluntary recruitment / training role. Go onto the Red Cross website and follow the links on the volunteer tab to see if there any vacancies in your area.

If so then apply via the website. You will/should then get a call from the co-ordinator for that service in your area who will, hopefully, invite you in for an interview.
If successful you start with some basic induction training (on-line or workbook) about the Red Cross before doing the 3 day course and a few other bits.
Then you are ''up and running'' Its not a very quick procedure but if you are committed then max 3 months. Most delays are fitting in the course around your other commitments.
Enjoy - great organisation.

dickydonkin

Horace wrote: »

In the past I have volunteered for SJA but have used the Red Cross on occasion to provide first aid cover at events. I do not know anything about how the Red Cross trains their volunteers but I should imagine that it is pretty much the same because they have to train according to the current law regarding first aid.

What 'current law' would that be?

First Aid training providers now no longer have to be approved by the HSE - a dreadful decision IMO.

They HSE provides guidance for employers on selecting training providers and suggest criteria for training providers - but that is it - it is now a free for all and I suspect standards will drop.