Spotlight on

Shropshire volunteer Andrew Black shares his experiences as a volunteer.

Andrew Black

Andrew Black has seen his fair share of drama as a volunteer – and it's often been caused by the ups and downs of the British weather.

'Probably the most memorable recent events', he explained, 'was the effect of the enormous snowfall we had in February 2009. We were supporting the ambulance service to help transport patients to hospital – their ambulances couldn't get through the snow, unlike our 4x4s.

'I took a woman to hospital who was heavily pregnant and experiencing severe back pain. There was a foot of snow outside her door and when we arrived I could tell she had resigned herself to the fact that she wouldn't get to hospital that night – so I'll never forget how grateful she was when we got her there safely, having navigated safely through snow, mud and ice!'.

He's also assisted during the devastating floods in the summer of 2007, evacuating elderly patients from nursing homes in Gloucestershire and manning an emergency evacuation centre in Upton-Upon-Severn.

Being a volunteer isn't all about night-time call outs and battling against the weather. 'Aside from this kind of emergency support', Andrew says, 'most of my SJA work involves providing ambulance and first aid cover at high-risk events such as motor racing, music concerts and air shows.

'I get the chance to help people while soaking up the atmosphere of fantastic events, and you never know when you'll be needed to make the difference in a life or death situation'.

A response in seconds

'There was an incident that happened last year; I was off-duty at the time and in the dining tent of an agricultural show where a two year old and his family were eating. Somehow, he'd managed to swallow a fifty pence piece and his parents were hysterical, having tried and failed to dislodge the coin. I literally leapt into action, climbing across the table to get to the boy who was already turning a dreadful shade of blue.

'He looked at me, as if to say, 'I don't know who you are, but please, please help me.' I went into auto-pilot, quickly manoeuvring him into the right position, and beginning a cycle of strategically placed back slaps which I'd practised many times before. At first, the coin still refused to budge, but two more back slaps and out it flew. When the little lad started crying, I felt a big lump in my throat – it was so good to see him breathing normally.

'I've dealt with quite a few paediatric emergencies, but usually when I'm on duty or responding to 999 calls. This was the first time an incident like this happened right in front of me and required a response within seconds rather than minutes.'

Worthwhile hobby

'St John Ambulance seems like something I've been doing forever, and it's allowed me to pursue my passions and do something completely different from my day job as a Chartered Surveyor. I've made many great friends and, more importantly, I know I've helped people. SJA is a thoroughly enjoyable and worthwhile hobby; I wouldn't swap my uniform for a Pringle golf jumper if you paid me!'.

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