St. John Ambulance

I met a couple of Cambridge gentlemen recently who are on the Board of St. John Ambulance. Through them and some printed literature, I learned a few things that were very interesting about this mostly volunteer organization.

The history of this caring group has its beginnings back in the time of the Christian Crusaders in Jerusalem. For centuries, devout pilgrims from every corner of Christendom made their way to the holy city of Jerusalem. These people would stay at hostels that were build for the combined purpose of caring for the sick and also providing shelter and some protection for the traveler. The safety of these people was very much at the mercy of the native population and the rulers. Depending on the state of this Christian/Muslim environment, the hostels could be burned to the ground -- and this happened many times through the holy wars over the passing centuries.

In 1080, a new hospital for the pilgrims was founded. It was put into the care of Benedictine monks. These monks adopted simple clothing. Their uniform was a simple robe adorned with a white cross. This was the beginning.

Their role changed as the holy wars progressed. The monks cared for the sick and wounded -- rich and poor alike. Later the duties included military protection for the pilgrims plus hospital care. They were now full fledged knights, but still adorned with the white cross. These knights fought and provided care under the protection of their patron Saint, St. John the Baptist.

In 1292, several hundred years later, they were forced to flee Jerusalem. They took up residence in Cyprus. From here they attacked and captured the Island of Rhodes as it was being used as a base for pirating in the Mediterranean. The new role was a naval one -- the protection of Christian shipping in the region.

Two hundred years later they were defeated by the Turks and subsequently set up a stronghold in Malta. Their new home island was fortified against the Turks in what is known as the 1565 Great Siege of Malta. Outnumbered 4 to 1 they successfully defended the island.

When Napoleon captured Malta, he ended the military activities of the Order of St. John. Since that time, they have not waged war under their modified white Maltese Cross of St. John. The new role is solely benevolence and charity. The Order in England offered its services during the Fanco-Prussian war and eventually focused on first aid training and related enterprises. Later, in 1888, Queen Victoria granted a Royal Charter to the Order. St. John has been in Ontario for 110 years. Today, St. John training programs are recognized as the standard for first aid training for workplace employees. Over 190,000 people participated in their sanctioned programs last year alone.

The Brigade is always available for parades, fall fairs, and other community events. More than 7,000 injured or ailing individuals received their first care from the trained and uniformed volunteers who attended these community events last year. The Brigade of St. John is always on call. In the event there is a local emergency, such as a storm disaster, the provincial emergency operations center becomes active. This center takes command of overall operations in all times of disaster or civil emergency.

The not-for-profit services provided by this volunteer group is vital to the community of Cambridge. There are several programs. Some I knew about, others, I did not. There is a Therapy Dog Program. This was started when it has been proven that animals help to relieve the loneliness and despair of institutionalized people. In this program, dogs are taken into nursing homes, hospitals and other institutions and bring joy and comfort to the residents. Another important program is the baby sitting course - "What every baby sitter should know!" There is the Cadet program for the younger people who wish to participate and give service to the community. Many will move on to the St. John Brigade, as they get older.

There is the Brigade itself. This is the more visible group who staff the vehicular first-aid posts and attend all community events in their dark uniforms with the white cross superimposed over a red maple leaf. Brigade members have been asked to assist the Ontario Flu-Inoculation Clinic. They will do so at all clinics in the city.

A member also sits on the Board of the Cambridge Safe Community Coalition. St. John is supported by the city's various Service Clubs, the United Way, local clubs, corporations and from private donations. I have not taken a first aid course for many years. Elliott Harmer and Elmer Swartzentruber were the trainers back in the 60's when I took my first course. They were also there for each of my 3 or 4 refresher courses over the years - very dedicated individuals deserving of our admiration. I am pleased to be able to give the group a little well deserved support thanks to our community newspaper. Give Myra Klassen a call at 740-8895 for more information.

Have a nice day.