What is Public Service ?

For the St. John Ambulance Brigade member public service refers to any voluntary service allotted through Brigade channels and performed by a member.

Forms of Public Service

There are many different forms of public service performed by the Brigade in Ontario. The most common form is the patient care assignment (duty) which involves attending at a specific event or location for the purpose of rendering patient care at the scene pending the arrival of professional medical services and/or the transportation of the patient to medical aid.

Some other forms of service include, volunteer ambulance services, water patrols, firefighter canteen service, patient care in nursing homes and similar institutions, assistance to the disabled, therapy dogs, search and rescue, respite care services for the elderly and/or handicapped.

What are my responsibilities as a member?

The performance of some form of public service is the main reason for belonging to the St. John Ambulance Brigade. The Brigade is the visible arm of St. John Ambulance; the part of the organization that gives it its status as a charitable, voluntary organization. As a member of the Brigade, you represent St. John Ambulance in every way when you step out in public to perform a Brigade service.

Accepting a service assignment

The agreement to accept a public service assignment on behalf of the Brigade implies that the member can answer "yes" to the following list of questions:

• Do I have the time free to carry out the service on the date and for the period specified?
• Am I prepared to devote this time to the service and will I still feel this way when the time comes?
• Do I have all the necessary clothing (uniform, environmental wear, footwear, etc.) in proper condition so that neither I, another Brigade member, nor anyone who sees me on assignment will have any reason to be critical about my appearance?
• Do I know the exact location, date, time and type of event?
• Do I have the required skills and certification to perform the tasks which I might, in an emergency or as a matter of routine, be expected to perform (or, will I be paired with another member who does and with whom I can work confidently)?
• Have I determined how I will get to and from the event?
• Do I know who the contact person at the event will be (or will I be able to find out before I leave to go to the location)?
• Do I have all of the necessary equipment, whether in my personal kit or in the kits I will be taking with me or using at the scene?
• Am I ready to accept the satisfying but challenging role of acting as ambassador for St. John Ambulance at the event so that those I service will regard my organization with respect?

What if i can t attend an assignment?

A member who knows she/he can t attend an assignment simply doesn t accept it in the first place. Many events are of personal interest to members, and ideally, it is best when members interests are suited to the assignment available. However, there will be times when a member may be called upon to accept an assignment that may not be on the top of your preference list. In this case, the event might be regarded as a new learning experience.

In the event that a serious, unforeseen circumstance prevents your attendance, it is imperative that the public service coordinator be informed immediately and that, if requested, you attempt to find a replacement. A failure to attend an event at which the sponsors expect coverage is the worst kind of public relations.