People in need are always relieved to see the flashing lights of a St John ambulance on the way to help the seriously hurt or unwell. Now it’s the turn of St John to ask for help.

Foodstuffs Community Trust is pleased to announce their sponsorship of the St John Friends of the Emergency Department programme across the South Island.

St John is launching the “Flash a Light for St John Appeal”. St John community partner ASB is helping to raise funds for the charity, including providing opportunities for local communities to get involved with St John.

Winter can be an isolating time for many elderly residents in the community. The cold weather and dark evenings can mean more time spent at home, fewer trips out and fewer visits from family and friends.

St John is joining forces with the Stroke Foundation to run a National Blood Pressure Awareness Campaign, aimed at reducing the risk of stroke.

In partnership with the Otago District Health Board, St John has launched a new initiative, Hospital Friends – Oncology.

As well as supporting anyone who needs first aid at the SBS Christchurch Marathon on 31 May, St John is also getting behind the training plan of one of the marathoners.

A $100,000 donation from the Marsh Family Trust for the purchase of 20 defibrillators will ensure the public have greater access to these life-saving devices. The first of these defibrillators has been donated to First Church of Otago.

St John is involved in a number of initiatives and programmes designed to ensure the best possible care for patients while reducing unnecessary demand on hospital emergency departments and emergency ambulances.

This weekend approximately 45 ambulance officers from around New Zealand will converge in Invercargill to compete in the St John national emergency competitions that will test their medical emergency skills.