St John Ambulance Cadets in the UK
Encyclopedia
St John Ambulance Cadets is a youth section of St John Ambulance
for members aged between 10 and 17 (inclusive). It was founded in 1922, in order to train young people in first aid
, and other essential skills. It has grown to be one of the biggest youth organisations in the United Kingdom
, with over 20,000 members. Members take part in a very wide variety of activities, including providing first aid
at major and community events, attending camps, completing awards, participating in competitions, learning leadership and training skills and fundraising.
courses ranging from a basic induction to first aid up to a 'Cadet first aider' qualification. Cadets are start their training immediately, as it is completed as a module within the Membership Award that all cadets undertake. There are then two further levels of first aid training that Cadets under 16 can undertake, with the second level allowing them to treat casualties under supervision from a qualified adult.
Cadets aged 16 and 17 can take part in first aid training for adults, and also may have the opportunity to complete First Aid at Work (British HSE
approved first aid
course). Once qualified, these cadets can treat casualties in their own right. Cadets aged 16 and 17 can also be trained in the use of an AED
, however due to age restrictions regarding the administration of drugs, under 18s cannot be qualified in the use of medical gases (Oxygen
& Entonox
) - but are allowed to be shown the basics to gain an awareness of it.
s within their divisions. They can then progress and attend further courses designed to improve said skills. The Cadet Leadership courses also count as a subject towards the Cadet's Grand Prior Award. Cadet Leadership 3 allows Cadets to learn the skills required to take on an assistant youth leader role within their division, and includes the BTEC-accredited Essential skills in youth work course.
, Cadets can partake in a variety of other activities, and support tasks to help out adult members of St John Ambulance. Some of them are listed below:
, similar to how Scouts make a Scout Promise
when they join. The code originates from the historical origin of St John Ambulance
: the Venerable Order of Saint John
. Note that whist serving 'God' is part of the code, Cadets do not need to be Christian
or even religious.
:
, dealing with major bleeding, and recovery position
.
, the Duke of Gloucester
. This award scheme involves Cadets completing 24 subjects at different levels. Eight subjects must be completed for each of the bronze and silver levels, and four subjects for the gold and Grand Prior levels. Cadets can continue to work on this award up to their 21st birthday, and the Grand Prior Award badge is one of the only Cadet badges that can be worn on adult uniform.
Some Cadets aged 16 and 17, choose to wear adult uniform rather than Cadet uniform; however Cadet rank may not be worn on adult uniform. Cadets always fall below an adult member of St John Ambulance in rank - even if the Cadet holds Corporal, Sergeant or Leading Cadet rank. To be promoted to the rank of Cadet Corporal or Cadet Sergeant, Cadets must have completed Cadet Leadership 1 training. For promotion to Leading Cadet, completion of Cadet Leadership 2 is essential.
Unlike other organisations of a similar nature, both male AND female Cadets are allowed to wear trousers, however female members can wear a knee-length black skirt with black tights if they wish.
uniform and the Cadet uniform, apart from a few minor changes.
St. John Ambulance
St John Ambulance, branded as St John in some territories, is a common name used by a number of affiliated organisations in different countries dedicated to the teaching and practice of medical first aid and the provision of ambulance services, all of which derive their origins from the St John...
for members aged between 10 and 17 (inclusive). It was founded in 1922, in order to train young people in first aid
First aid
First aid is the provision of initial care for an illness or injury. It is usually performed by non-expert, but trained personnel to a sick or injured person until definitive medical treatment can be accessed. Certain self-limiting illnesses or minor injuries may not require further medical care...
, and other essential skills. It has grown to be one of the biggest youth organisations in the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
, with over 20,000 members. Members take part in a very wide variety of activities, including providing first aid
First aid
First aid is the provision of initial care for an illness or injury. It is usually performed by non-expert, but trained personnel to a sick or injured person until definitive medical treatment can be accessed. Certain self-limiting illnesses or minor injuries may not require further medical care...
at major and community events, attending camps, completing awards, participating in competitions, learning leadership and training skills and fundraising.
Medical Courses
Cadets can progress though a number of first aidFirst aid
First aid is the provision of initial care for an illness or injury. It is usually performed by non-expert, but trained personnel to a sick or injured person until definitive medical treatment can be accessed. Certain self-limiting illnesses or minor injuries may not require further medical care...
courses ranging from a basic induction to first aid up to a 'Cadet first aider' qualification. Cadets are start their training immediately, as it is completed as a module within the Membership Award that all cadets undertake. There are then two further levels of first aid training that Cadets under 16 can undertake, with the second level allowing them to treat casualties under supervision from a qualified adult.
Cadets aged 16 and 17 can take part in first aid training for adults, and also may have the opportunity to complete First Aid at Work (British HSE
Health and Safety Executive
The Health and Safety Executive is a non-departmental public body in the United Kingdom. It is the body responsible for the encouragement, regulation and enforcement of workplace health, safety and welfare, and for research into occupational risks in England and Wales and Scotland...
approved first aid
First aid
First aid is the provision of initial care for an illness or injury. It is usually performed by non-expert, but trained personnel to a sick or injured person until definitive medical treatment can be accessed. Certain self-limiting illnesses or minor injuries may not require further medical care...
course). Once qualified, these cadets can treat casualties in their own right. Cadets aged 16 and 17 can also be trained in the use of an AED
Automated external defibrillator
An automated external defibrillator or AED is a portable electronic device that automatically diagnoses the potentially life threatening cardiac arrhythmias of ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia in a patient, and is able to treat them through defibrillation, the application of...
, however due to age restrictions regarding the administration of drugs, under 18s cannot be qualified in the use of medical gases (Oxygen
Oxygen
Oxygen is the element with atomic number 8 and represented by the symbol O. Its name derives from the Greek roots ὀξύς and -γενής , because at the time of naming, it was mistakenly thought that all acids required oxygen in their composition...
& Entonox
Entonox
A mix of nitrous oxide 50% and oxygen 50% is a medical anaesthesia gas, commonly known as Entonox or Nitronox, or colloquially as gas and air, and is frequently used in pre-hospital care, childbirth and emergency medicine situations by medical professionals such as doctors, nurses, midwives and...
) - but are allowed to be shown the basics to gain an awareness of it.
Cadet Leadership
Cadets are encouraged to attend Cadet Leadership courses. These courses are progressive, take place at three levels and are intended to give cadets the skills to take a more active role within their divisions. The courses teach skills which enable cadets to be promoted to NCONon-commissioned officer
A non-commissioned officer , called a sub-officer in some countries, is a military officer who has not been given a commission...
s within their divisions. They can then progress and attend further courses designed to improve said skills. The Cadet Leadership courses also count as a subject towards the Cadet's Grand Prior Award. Cadet Leadership 3 allows Cadets to learn the skills required to take on an assistant youth leader role within their division, and includes the BTEC-accredited Essential skills in youth work course.
Cadet Trainer
By completing a Cadet Trainer course (and following assessment several weeks later, where the Cadet has to plan and deliver a session to a small group of people), cadets are allowed to train other Cadets or Badgers in any subject that the Cadet is competent and/or qualified in. After completion of Cadet Trainer 1, a Cadet can demonstrate practical skills, and the course teaches the Cadet about planning sessions, use of visual aids, and methods of testing the audiences' understanding. Cadet Trainer 2 and 3 build on these skills to qualify the Cadet to teach a whole course on a variety of subjects. The Cadet Trainer qualification is valid until the Cadet reaches the age of 18, when they will have to re-train to become a trainer in St John Ambulance.Activities
Aside from learning first aidFirst aid
First aid is the provision of initial care for an illness or injury. It is usually performed by non-expert, but trained personnel to a sick or injured person until definitive medical treatment can be accessed. Certain self-limiting illnesses or minor injuries may not require further medical care...
, Cadets can partake in a variety of other activities, and support tasks to help out adult members of St John Ambulance. Some of them are listed below:
- Assisting St John Ambulance adult members whilst providing first aid (e.g. football matchs, firework displays).
- Radio communication work.
- Leading and training groups of Cadets.
- Competitions such as 'Cadet of the Year', 'Young First Aider of the Year' and the Cadet Quiz.
- Fundraising for St John Ambulance and other charities.
- Completing awards such as the Grand Prior Award, the Duke of Edinburgh's Award and the Amalfi Challenge.
- Taking part in Drill and, in some areas, the Remembrance SundayRemembrance SundayIn the United Kingdom, 'Remembrance Sunday' is held on the second Sunday in November, which is the Sunday nearest to 11 November Armistice Day. It is the anniversary of the end of hostilities in the First World War at 11 a.m...
parade. - Socialising at organised recreation events, 'fun nights', camping, youth balls and other away trips.
Cadet Code of Chivalry
Cadets as part of their Membership Award pledge a Code of ChivalryChivalry
Chivalry is a term related to the medieval institution of knighthood which has an aristocratic military origin of individual training and service to others. Chivalry was also the term used to refer to a group of mounted men-at-arms as well as to martial valour...
, similar to how Scouts make a Scout Promise
Scout Promise
Since the publication of Scouting for Boys in 1908, all Scouts and Guides around the world have taken a Scout promise or oath to live up to ideals of the movement, and subscribed to a Scout Law. The wording of the Scout Promise and Scout Law have varied slightly over time and from country to...
when they join. The code originates from the historical origin of St John Ambulance
St. John Ambulance
St John Ambulance, branded as St John in some territories, is a common name used by a number of affiliated organisations in different countries dedicated to the teaching and practice of medical first aid and the provision of ambulance services, all of which derive their origins from the St John...
: the Venerable Order of Saint John
Venerable Order of Saint John
The Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem , is a royal order of chivalry established in 1831 and found today throughout the Commonwealth of Nations, Hong Kong, Ireland and the United States of America, with the world-wide mission "to prevent and relieve sickness and...
. Note that whist serving 'God' is part of the code, Cadets do not need to be Christian
Christian
A Christian is a person who adheres to Christianity, an Abrahamic, monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as recorded in the Canonical gospels and the letters of the New Testament...
or even religious.
Awards
There are a number of awards that Cadets can achieve during their time at St John AmbulanceSt. John Ambulance
St John Ambulance, branded as St John in some territories, is a common name used by a number of affiliated organisations in different countries dedicated to the teaching and practice of medical first aid and the provision of ambulance services, all of which derive their origins from the St John...
:
Membership Award
The first award that new members will complete will be the Membership Award, which involves completion of worksheets and activities about various aspects of St John life, including the uniform, the history, the Code of Chivalry, as well as basic first aid skills, including CPRCardiopulmonary resuscitation
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is an emergency procedure which is performed in an effort to manually preserve intact brain function until further measures are taken to restore spontaneous blood circulation and breathing in a person in cardiac arrest. It is indicated in those who are unresponsive...
, dealing with major bleeding, and recovery position
Recovery position
The recovery position refers to one of a series of variations on a lateral recumbent or three-quarters prone position of the body, in to which an unconscious but breathing casualty can be placed as part of first aid treatment.An unconscious person The recovery position refers to one of a series of...
.
Grand Prior Award Scheme
After the Membership award, Cadets begin work on the highest award a Cadet can achieve, the Grand Prior Award Scheme, named after the Grand Prior of The Order of St JohnVenerable Order of Saint John
The Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem , is a royal order of chivalry established in 1831 and found today throughout the Commonwealth of Nations, Hong Kong, Ireland and the United States of America, with the world-wide mission "to prevent and relieve sickness and...
, the Duke of Gloucester
Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester
Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester is a member of the British Royal Family. Prince Richard is the youngest grandchild of King George V and Queen Mary. He has been Duke of Gloucester since his father's death in 1974. He is currently 20th in the line of succession...
. This award scheme involves Cadets completing 24 subjects at different levels. Eight subjects must be completed for each of the bronze and silver levels, and four subjects for the gold and Grand Prior levels. Cadets can continue to work on this award up to their 21st birthday, and the Grand Prior Award badge is one of the only Cadet badges that can be worn on adult uniform.
Service Awards
Cadets can also achieve Service awards. Every time a Cadet completes any volunteering for St John Ambulance, their hours on are logged. When a Cadet completes a certain number of hours, they are awarded a badge. The first award is for 50 hours, after which the next awards increase in intervals of 100 hours each time (e.g. 100 hours, 200 hours, 300 hours etc.) up to a maximum of 1000 hours.Other awards
There are many other awards a Cadet can complete, including the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, the Amalfi Challenge from ages 16–25.Rank Structure
The ranking structure for Cadets is as follows:| Rank | Cadet | Cadet Corporal Corporal Corporal is a rank in use in some form by most militaries and by some police forces or other uniformed organizations. It is usually equivalent to NATO Rank Code OR-4.... |
Cadet Sergeant Sergeant Sergeant is a rank used in some form by most militaries, police forces, and other uniformed organizations around the world. Its origins are the Latin serviens, "one who serves", through the French term Sergent.... |
Leading Cadet |
| Insignia | . |
Some Cadets aged 16 and 17, choose to wear adult uniform rather than Cadet uniform; however Cadet rank may not be worn on adult uniform. Cadets always fall below an adult member of St John Ambulance in rank - even if the Cadet holds Corporal, Sergeant or Leading Cadet rank. To be promoted to the rank of Cadet Corporal or Cadet Sergeant, Cadets must have completed Cadet Leadership 1 training. For promotion to Leading Cadet, completion of Cadet Leadership 2 is essential.
Uniform
The Cadet uniform is very similar to the adult uniform, and is also very similar between male and female Cadets.- Black beret, with small St John Cadet badge, worn over left eye, or black baseball cap with St John Ambulance logo embroidered directly above the peak. In some areas, the beret is not considered as part of the operational uniform and is worn on ceremonial events only.
- White shirt, with either large round St John Cadet badge on right breast, or St John AmbulanceSt. John AmbulanceSt John Ambulance, branded as St John in some territories, is a common name used by a number of affiliated organisations in different countries dedicated to the teaching and practice of medical first aid and the provision of ambulance services, all of which derive their origins from the St John...
logo on right breast. - Plain black clip-on tie (clip-on for safety when treating a casualty).
- Black military-style jumper with St John Cadet badge on right breast. All county flashes, first aid badges and county emblems worn at top of right sleeve, and all Membership Award badges, or Grand Prior Award badges worn at top of left sleeve. All Duke of Edinburgh's Award, service award and Amalfi Award badges worn above St John Cadet badge on right breast.
- Plain black dress trousers, or combat trousers.
- Black and white striped belt (either utility belt or 'St John Belt').
- Black dress shoes or parade boots (or normal boots/shoes for operational duties) and black socks.
- High visibility fluorescent (HI-VIS) jacket/waistcoat for increased visibility and easier recognition of medical staff by the general public on operational duties. These have St John AmbulanceSt. John AmbulanceSt John Ambulance, branded as St John in some territories, is a common name used by a number of affiliated organisations in different countries dedicated to the teaching and practice of medical first aid and the provision of ambulance services, all of which derive their origins from the St John...
reflective badges on the front and rear, have green colouring over the shoulders and have green and silver chequered reflective tape around the bottom of the garment. - EpauletteEpauletteEpaulette is a type of ornamental shoulder piece or decoration used as insignia of rank by armed forces and other organizations.Epaulettes are fastened to the shoulder by a shoulder strap or "passant", a small strap parallel to the shoulder seam, and the button near the collar, or by laces on the...
s of the correct rank marking, to be worn on the top layer of clothing.
Unlike other organisations of a similar nature, both male AND female Cadets are allowed to wear trousers, however female members can wear a knee-length black skirt with black tights if they wish.
Operational Dutywear
Under special authorisation of the duty officer, Cadets can wear special two-piece suits for outdoor duties, if it is expected to be especially muddy or warm. This mode of dress consists of:- Green or black shirt, with St John AmbulanceSt. John AmbulanceSt John Ambulance, branded as St John in some territories, is a common name used by a number of affiliated organisations in different countries dedicated to the teaching and practice of medical first aid and the provision of ambulance services, all of which derive their origins from the St John...
logo on back and on left breast (short or long sleeved). - Green or black trousers, with reflective stripes around bottom half for extra visibility (must be same colour as the shirt).
- Green or black utility belt (must be the same colour as the rest of the suit).
- High visibility fluorescent (HI-VIS) jacket/waistcoat for increased visibility and easier recognition of medical staff by the general public. These have St John AmbulanceSt. John AmbulanceSt John Ambulance, branded as St John in some territories, is a common name used by a number of affiliated organisations in different countries dedicated to the teaching and practice of medical first aid and the provision of ambulance services, all of which derive their origins from the St John...
reflective badges on the front and rear, have green colouring over the shoulders and have green and silver chequered reflective tape around the bottom of the garment. - EpauletteEpauletteEpaulette is a type of ornamental shoulder piece or decoration used as insignia of rank by armed forces and other organizations.Epaulettes are fastened to the shoulder by a shoulder strap or "passant", a small strap parallel to the shoulder seam, and the button near the collar, or by laces on the...
s of the correct rank marking, to be worn on the top layer of clothing. - If the duty could be dangerous, Cadets can also wear official St John AmbulanceSt. John AmbulanceSt John Ambulance, branded as St John in some territories, is a common name used by a number of affiliated organisations in different countries dedicated to the teaching and practice of medical first aid and the provision of ambulance services, all of which derive their origins from the St John...
extrication helmets with visors. These are carried on ambulanceAmbulanceAn ambulance is a vehicle for transportation of sick or injured people to, from or between places of treatment for an illness or injury, and in some instances will also provide out of hospital medical care to the patient...
s, and are used to protect crews against possible head injuries, for example at motocross, RTAs, and fireworksFireworksFireworks are a class of explosive pyrotechnic devices used for aesthetic and entertainment purposes. The most common use of a firework is as part of a fireworks display. A fireworks event is a display of the effects produced by firework devices...
events (if entering drop zone).
Cadets in adult uniform
There is not much difference between the adult St John AmbulanceSt. John Ambulance
St John Ambulance, branded as St John in some territories, is a common name used by a number of affiliated organisations in different countries dedicated to the teaching and practice of medical first aid and the provision of ambulance services, all of which derive their origins from the St John...
uniform and the Cadet uniform, apart from a few minor changes.
- Black peak cap with white band around rim, and St John AmbulanceSt. John AmbulanceSt John Ambulance, branded as St John in some territories, is a common name used by a number of affiliated organisations in different countries dedicated to the teaching and practice of medical first aid and the provision of ambulance services, all of which derive their origins from the St John...
brooch badge in centre directly above peak. - White shirt, with either large round St John AmbulanceSt. John AmbulanceSt John Ambulance, branded as St John in some territories, is a common name used by a number of affiliated organisations in different countries dedicated to the teaching and practice of medical first aid and the provision of ambulance services, all of which derive their origins from the St John...
badge on right breast, or newer-style St John AmbulanceSt. John AmbulanceSt John Ambulance, branded as St John in some territories, is a common name used by a number of affiliated organisations in different countries dedicated to the teaching and practice of medical first aid and the provision of ambulance services, all of which derive their origins from the St John...
logo on right breast and a Cadet beret badge attached above St John Ambulance text to identify the wearer as under 18. - Plain black clip-on tie (clip-on for safety when treating a casualty).
- Black military-style jumper with St John AmbulanceSt. John AmbulanceSt John Ambulance, branded as St John in some territories, is a common name used by a number of affiliated organisations in different countries dedicated to the teaching and practice of medical first aid and the provision of ambulance services, all of which derive their origins from the St John...
badge on right breast. All county flashes, first aid badges and county emblems worn at top of both sleeves, and Grand Prior Award badge (if achieved) worn at top of left sleeve. All Duke of Edinburgh's Award, service award (1000 hours service only) and Amalfi Challenge badges worn above St John AmbulanceSt. John AmbulanceSt John Ambulance, branded as St John in some territories, is a common name used by a number of affiliated organisations in different countries dedicated to the teaching and practice of medical first aid and the provision of ambulance services, all of which derive their origins from the St John...
badge on right breast, and a Cadet beret badge attached above St John Ambulance text to identify the wearer as under 18. - Plain black dress trousers, or combat trousers.
- Black and white striped belt (either utility belt or 'St John Belt').
- High visibility fluorescent (HI-VIS) jacket/waistcoat for increased visibility and easier recognition of medical staff by the general public. These have St John AmbulanceSt. John AmbulanceSt John Ambulance, branded as St John in some territories, is a common name used by a number of affiliated organisations in different countries dedicated to the teaching and practice of medical first aid and the provision of ambulance services, all of which derive their origins from the St John...
reflective badges on the front and rear, have green colouring over the shoulders and have green and silver checkered reflective tape around the bottom of the garment. - Black dress shoes or parade boots (or normal boots/shoes for operational duties) and black socks
- Normal 'plain' member ranking EpauletteEpauletteEpaulette is a type of ornamental shoulder piece or decoration used as insignia of rank by armed forces and other organizations.Epaulettes are fastened to the shoulder by a shoulder strap or "passant", a small strap parallel to the shoulder seam, and the button near the collar, or by laces on the...
s to be worn on the top layer of clothing. Cadet rank is not allowed on an adult uniform to prevent confusion between ranking adult members of St John AmbulanceSt. John AmbulanceSt John Ambulance, branded as St John in some territories, is a common name used by a number of affiliated organisations in different countries dedicated to the teaching and practice of medical first aid and the provision of ambulance services, all of which derive their origins from the St John...
.