Friday, 23 September 2022: On Tuesday September 20, 2022, Minister of State for Health & Social Care, Robert Jenrick MP visited St John Ambulance volunteers and staff to thank them for their role in supporting Operation London Bridge.
During his visit to the charity’s treatment centre at Lancaster House, Mr Jenrick met with advanced first aiders, emergency ambulance crews, events and logistics team members, who have supported St John operations surrounding HM The Queen’s state funeral and the period of national mourning.
Mr Jenrick heard about their experiences and was given a tour of one of the charity’s 30 treatment centres, which have been used to keep the public safe over the past 12 days.
Minister of State for Health & Social Care, Robert Jenrick MP said: “I want to thank the thousands of St John Ambulance volunteers and staff for helping to keep people safe and enabling members of the public to pay their respects to the late Her Majesty the Queen during the mourning period.
“The charity’s volunteers play a vital role in supporting the NHS and local communities in hospitals, ambulances and at public events right across the country.”
As the nation mourned, St John Ambulance has stepped forward with over 2,000 volunteers and employees, including healthcare professionals, to provide 24/7 medical support in London and Windsor. Alongside their efforts, a further 1,300 volunteers provided first aid cover at 200 events across England.
St John Ambulance’s acting Chief Operating Officer, Craig Harman said: “I would like to thank to Mr Jenrick for meeting with our fantastic St John people to thank them for their contributions in supporting Operation London Bridge. I am incredibly proud of the dedication and commitment our volunteers have shown in serving the public.
“St John Ambulance has been honoured to play its part in keeping members of the public safe throughout this historic period of national mourning and at ceremonial events.”
St John had treatment centres and first aid posts located across London lining the route of the queue to the lying-in-state at Westminster Hall, plus locations such as Hyde Park, St James's Park and Lancaster House to keep helping keep the crowds safe and well.
During this period, St John has treated hundreds of members of the public, including serious conditions, with the majority presenting with common complaints including blisters, dehydration and feeling faint.
Pat Halpin, Advanced First Aider and Bronze Ceremonial Officer with St John Ambulance said: “It has been a truly humbling experience to support one of the most historic events of our lifetimes.
“I’m proud to have played my part alongside other St John people in helping to keep the public safe during this difficult time”.
