Wednesday 13th July 2011

Chesterfield’s new 'street pastors' will be equipped with life-saving skills when they take to the town centre next month - thanks to St John Ambulance.
 
Trainers from the leading first aid charity ran a specialist course for the fledgling pastors this week, as part of their intensive training in the run-up to the August 13th launch.
 
St John Ambulance trainer Antony Owen instructed 25 volunteers from local churches in how to deal with emergencies they might encounter on the streets, including severe bleeding, vomiting and chest pains, as well as how to resuscitate someone who has stopped breathing.
 
"Each year up to 150,000 people die in situations where first aid could have given them a chance to live," he said. "This is life-changing first aid. These people will be out there helping vulnerable people in Chesterfield - and these skills could make them the difference between a life saved and a life lost."
 
Street pastor Yvonne Birchmore, from Central Methodist Church, said: "First aid is a very important part of what we'll be doing; we could be the first line of defence - without it someone might die.
 
"It's also an important confidence-builder for the team. These are the kind of skills that we could call on anywhere."
 
In Chesterfield a minimum of four street pastors will work in the town centre every Saturday night, from 10pm to 4am, helping late-night revellers to stay safe. They will chat to people, listen, talk and help to keep the peace.

Before the scheme gets under way, volunteers are being trained in everything from first aid to alcohol awareness, drug awareness and offensive weapons.
 
St John Ambulance offers a range of first aid training: from school classes for children as young as five, to workplace sessions and community courses.

For more details call the Derbyshire training team on 01246 200272.

RECENT STORIES

CHERYLES MARATHON FUNDRAISER FOR ST JOHN AMBULANCE -
Clay Cross woman Cheryle Berry has completed this year's London Marathon in aid of St John Ambulance - and hopes to raise at least £2,000. More...

BOLSOVER CADETS WIN ROYAL RECOGNITION -
Two Bolsover St John Ambulance Cadets have won royal recognition for their achievements during an official reception at Buckingham Palace.
More...

LESSONS IN LIFE SAVING THANKS TO £500 AWARD -
Young first aiders in Clay Cross will be able to learn vital life-saving techniques thanks to a £500 award from the Mansfield Building Society’s Community Support Scheme. More...

CAROL CLOCKS UP 25 YEARS WITH BOLSOVER BADGERS -
Cadet Carol Owen was just 19 when St John Ambulance launched its Badger movement for the under 10s - and this week she led the group's 25th anniversary celebrations. More...

ST JOHN AMBULANCE PREPARES FOR WINTER -
St John Ambulance staff and volunteers in Derbyshire are now busy making preparations to support the emergency services More...

YOUNG FIRST AIDERS HONOURED IN COUNTY'S INAUGURAL AWARDS -
Nine-year-old Emily Salmon didn't panic when her mum fainted in the bathroom, she put her in the recovery position and raised the alarm. More...

CHESTERFIELD VOLUNTEER RECEIVES TOP HONOUR -
Ken Cook, a leading influence within St John Ambulance Derbyshire over the past decade, has been honoured with investiture as a Commander of the Order of St John More...

FIRST AIDER'S LIFE SAVING SUPPORT FOR CHARITY -
A routine 'First Aid At Work' course proved to be a life-changer for Chesterfield banker Ian Boston who became a volunteer for St John Ambulance More...

PUTTING THEIR SKILLS TO THE TEST -
St John Ambulance members from across Derbyshire put their skills to the test last weekend in a bid to become county champions. More...

FESTIVE SAFETY
TIPS -
With the Big day nearly upon us, St John Ambulance in Derbyshire has issued some festive tips to help people enjoy an injury-free Christmas and New Year. More...

MOVING ON... -
After three years in post, one of the St John's Ambulance most respected members has retired from his role as Chair of Council. More...

DRUMMING UP SUPPORT FOR LOCAL BAND -
Local musician Claire Atack is drumming up support and trying to secure the future of one of the area's longest-established brass bands. More...

VOLUNTEERS RAISE £600 - Derbyshire volunteers who staged a six-hour sponsored first aid marathon raised £600 for the charity that taught them. More...

Volunteers at a Charity's Chesterfield HQ took part in a six hour fundraiser today.
St John's Ambulance members in the town held a sponsored resuscitation event to raise cash for the branch. More...

DO YOU KNOW HOW TO SAVE A LIFE -
Now, if you're planning to visit any of the shows, matches or carnivals around in Chesterfield this summer you may come across the St John's Ambulance Service there... More...