I went to the show and actually visited the St. Johns room. Being a first year paramedic degree student I was interested in how they do things.
I was quite surprised. They were very friendly and one of the St. Johns Paramedics (also a SAAS paramedic) showed me around.
What I thought would be just a first aid room was essentially a hospital complete with resuscitation room, monitors, drugs, sutures, IV fluid etc.
I got to speak to some of their Nurses (who work in hospital ED's when not volunteering) and their general first aid volunteers they call either 1st responders or advanced responders depending on their qualifications (similar to SAAS volunteer level certificate 2,3 & 4).
They spoke openly about big changes that have occured in their organization with more to come. They are even giving consideration to having both paid and volunteer St. Johns staff at events.
I have to admit I left with a different idea and impression about their work and level of staff. Considering them an interesting topic for future Uni assignments.
