“Meet the new first aid volunteer who selflessly threw himself into supporting our logistics operation after the pandemic hit.”
– St John Ambulance
Summarise your role in just a couple of sentences.
These days, I’m a Logistics Support volunteer. And during the COVID-19 crisis, I’ve been stationed at East London Ambulance Hub where we are kept busy providing ambulance support to the NHS. My role involves replenishing PPE – items such as face masks, gloves, gowns and face shields – every day so our ambulance crews will have the protection they need when responding to calls. I’m also responsible for regularly recording medicine temperatures, completing weekly hub stock report forms, replenishing shelves and cabinets with equipment, and restocking our ambulances.
In March, St John reoriented its whole operation to support the pandemic fight – what was that experience like for you?
At the time, I’d just become a St John first aider – I completed my training at the end of February – so I’d only just started attending Unit meetings when the Coronavirus pandemic hit. Then once everything was in lockdown mode, I got an email about volunteering at the Ambulance Hub and decided I would. I had no idea what went on behind the scenes during a crisis like this, nor the important role played by logistics and equipment in supporting the overall response. But it has been an amazing and priceless experience so far: I have been so deeply involved in a side of St John I wouldn’t otherwise have seen.
What does a typical week look like for you these days?
I’ve been volunteering regularly these past months, both because I saw a real need and because I enjoy helping others. It’s good to know I’m lightening the workload of the ambulance crews, hub managers and other volunteers. On a typical shift, I’ll sanitise door handles and surfaces, ensure radios and LifePaks are charged, and set up everything (necessary paperwork, PPE, airwave radios etc) for the ambulance crews. Then I’ll replenish PPE packs, check stock levels, request fresh supplies, take deliveries, log patient report forms, scan ambulance crew deployment run sheets, make phone calls, jet-wash ambulances and make sure the Hub is clean and orderly.
Some days, if time permits, I’ll also cook breakfast or lunch for everyone, then store some away for the late-shift crews or refrigerate for another day. Basically, I’m there to help the crews and hub manager any way I can, so I do whatever needs to be done on that day or week.
How’s the home life?
When I arrive home, my family is usually tending to the garden, cooking up a new recipe or doing something creative. We’ll often sit and eat together before the television, and chat about the events of the day. Other than that, all this volunteering means that my washing is piling up! But as things slow down, I’m looking forward to enjoying a lie-in or two.
What one thing should everyone know about Logistics Support volunteering?
It’s a very varied role, for starters, which COVID-19 has made considerably more varied. The set hours of a shift aren’t necessarily the hours you will do, since on some days there is simply a lot more happening than the day before and more things needing your attention. I’ve come to learn that Logistics Support is a bit of an unsung and unseen hero. Our importance at the hub lies in making sure that St John ambulances and crews always have the correct equipment, kit and resources – and in the right quantities they need – to go out there and save lives.
Name three words that best describe your role since the pandemic hit.
Key. Support. Volunteer.
What has been a core difficulty during the pandemic response?
I think just the difficulty of living within the constraints of the lockdown – with social distancing rules, shielding and self-isolating – and the psychological affects and strain they can cause. At our virtual Unit meetings, people openly express their frustration of not being able to attend face-to-face Unit evenings nor participate in our other normal activities. That’s been a challenge for many, myself included. But thankfully, St John is putting initiatives in place to create activities, so our volunteers can still utilise their skills and knowledge, while offering meaningful help and support.
What single aspect about this whole experience gives you the most hope for St John’s future?
At a time of such major uncertainty, it has been inspiring to witness everyone’s ability to come together and work so well alongside each other. Seeing our people’s resilience and passion for problem-solving, getting things done and helping others is so educational and rewarding. At this stage, I am looking forward to growing within the organisation and learning more as I increase my knowledge and skill levels. And I’ve especially enjoyed helping our newer logistics volunteers during their first shifts, and walking them through everything that I’ve learned so far.
What’s currently keeping you awake at night?
Thankfully, nothing. After a busy day volunteering at the hub, not much can keep me awake once it’s time to sleep and recharge. Although on non-volunteering nights, I can often stay up quite late watching my favourite television shows or a good psychological thriller.
What’s the first thing you’ll do once we’re given a full, social all-clear?
That’s easy! I’ll go along to a regular Unit meeting and hug all my new St John family and friends. I’ll also attend my first ever public event as a first aider or logistics support volunteer – or maybe both. And perhaps I’ll even explore volunteering in other areas of the organisation. Whatever happens, it’ll be yet another educational, empowering and amazing experience with St John.
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Find out more about St John Ambulance, the charity for health and first aid in your community.