SIR -I was very sorry to read a criticism of St John Ambulance in your columns. While knowing nothing of the individual circumstances, it is clear to me your correspondent has little understanding of the organisation he criticises.
St John Ambulance is a charitable organisation founded and operated by The Order of St John of Jerusalem, probably the oldest order of chivalry in the world, founded in the days of the Crusades.
Its members are unpaid volunteers who train, qualify and undertake public duty without payment or reward other than the satisfaction of a job well done.
As one who many years ago served in the St John Ambulance I can only say my experience ranged from attendance at local events to worldwide auxiliary service with the armed forces.
As former secretary of a local division, I know just how difficult in can be to find personnel for every event for which cover is requested. Nevertheless, every effort is made.
Long before there was a National Health Service, volunteers from the St John Ambulance and its kindred organisation, the British Red Cross, provided and maintained a fleet of ambulances with 24 hours a day coverage.
Its work continues to this day and it says much that criticism should arise when its absence is noted. To me the answer is apparent.
There is clearly a shortage of volunteers and I am wondering if your correspondent is about to step forward and volunteer his services?
JOHN HINTON,
Worcester.
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