Steve excited about new role

Steve joined St John Ambulance as a Badger in 1987 and then as a Cadet in 1991.

He moved to Coleraine for employment relocation and has been volunteering with Coleraine for over two years.

The Coleraine Division of St John Ambulance meets in the Division’s own premises in Spittal Hill, just off the Bushmills Road. There are currently 30 volunteers with the Division including both adults and youth.

St John Ambulance Volunteers provide cover at local events including matches at the Coleraine Football Club and the North West 200 event. At this year’s North West 200, the Coleraine volunteers were involved in attending the Scottish motorcyclist casualty Mark Buckley. They also support the local Gateway team in providing transport for physically disabled children and give first aid talks at local schools.

Having been involved in the cover of these events, Steve is looking forward to his role as Unit Leader, which will see overseeing the operational running of the Unit. He enjoys managing the division as seeing the positive contributions the volunteers make in their community.

He said: “I have been involved in St John Ambulance since I was a child, first as a Badger and then as a Cadet and now as an adult volunteer.

“ It gave me confidence in myself and skills in first aid that I knew would enable me to be the difference between a life lost and a life saved,” said Steve.

“I like to be involved in organising the activities and cover that the Division provides for the local community. I also assist with the Cadets and can see clearly how being part of St John Ambulance benefits the lives of the young people. I also enjoy driving the ambulances and assisting in the non-emergency transfer of patients.

“I would encourage anyone who wants to become involved in a volunteer organisation to join St John Ambulance. Not only will they gain first aid skills that will enable them to treat those who need it, they will gain other life skills in communication and being part of a group. Not only that, but volunteering can give you the best spectator seats at events like the Air Show and North West 200,” he added.

For more information about the Coleraine Division of St John Ambulance or becoming a member contact St John Ambulance Headquarters on 028 90 799 393.