First_Aid_Training

First aid training saves lives.
Over 13,000 people die each year in accidents occurring in everyday situations, such as in the home or workplace or on the roads. Many of these deaths could be prevented if a trained first aider was on hand.
The first aid experts.
The British Red Cross is the UK's leading provider of first aid training and support. We train almost a hundred thousand first aiders every year, preparing them to cope with emergencies at work, in the home or in the event of a major incident. We also provide first aid teams for public events both large and small.

Fire_&_Emergency_Support_Service

Imagine it's 3 o'clock in the morning and you've just lost everything you own in a house fire.  Your family is safe but your children are cold and miserable and your nearest reletives are 350 miles away.

Last year British Red Cross volunteers helped 1,700 people who suddenly found themselves homeless after a fire or flood devastated their home.

If you...
... enjoy meeting people from a wide range of backgrounds;
... are interested in people's well-being;
... are caring and compassionate, patient and tactful;
... understand the needs of someone who is distressed;
are reasonably fit and healthy;
we ould enjoy meeting you.

Your role could include...
... being called out in the middle of the night, at weekends and on bank holidays;
... providing emotional support to families who are very distressed;
... providing a warm, safe and private environment;
... helping find temporary accommodation;
... guiding people to other organisations and agencies who may be able to help.

Training opportunities
* Our training will prepare you to support people in particularly stressful situations;
* You will learn how to work with the Fire services at the scene of a fire or similar incident.
* You will learn emergency first aid.
* You will learn how to assist someone with walking difficulties or other disabilities.
* You will learn about health and safety and good moving and handling techniques.
* You will have the chance to learn about overcoming barriers to communication and disability awareness.

Medical_Loan

More than 600 people every day borrow wheelchairs, commodes and other items from the British Red Cross, to use at home or help them get out and about.

If you...
... enjoy meeting people from a wide range of backgrounds;
... are interested in people's well-being;
... are caring, patient and tactful;
... are reasonably fit and able to handle equipment;
you could join a small team of volunteers working at one of our 1000 outlets across the UK.

Your role could include...
... showing someone how to carry and use a wheelchair and other items;
... giving instructions on cleaning and care while the items are on loan;
... keeping records;
... cleaning and checking equipment on its return.

Training opportunities
* You will learn how to demonstrate the safe use of wheelchairs and other items and how to check and clean items when they are returned.
* You will learn about health and safety issues and how to handle equipment.
* You will also have the chance to learn more about overcoming barriers to communication, disability awareness and giving emotional support to people.

Transport_&_Escort

Many people can find it difficult to make a journey on their own.. Our volunteers can also pick someone up from home and drive them either in the volunteer's own vehicle or a specially adapted vehicle run by the British Red Cross.  People can also be met at a bus or train station and accompanied on a journey.

As well as taking someone on a short or long journey, volunteers often provide extra care - like taking someone to a chemotherapy appointment, sitting with them until they are seen, and waiting to take them back home.

If you...
... enjoy meeting people from a wide range of backgrounds;
... are interested in people's well-being;
... are caring, patient and tactful;
... can reassure people who may not be used to travelling;
... can show good road sense and competent skills (if driving);
why not volunteer with us?

Your role could include...
... collecting someone from home and driving them to an appointment or to visit a relative;
... looking after someone with walking difficultiesor other special needs;
... providing company for someone who may be confused and not used to travelling;
... helping someone with a wheelchair and driving a specially adapted vehicle;
... catching a bus or train with someone;
... taking someone on a short trip or spending the whole day with them;
... keeping up-to-date records.

Training opportunities
* You will learn emergency first aid and other skills so you can safely help someone with walking difficulties, or other disabilities, in and out of a vehicle.
* You will learn about health and safety issues and how to handle equipment like wheelchairs.
* You will have the chance to learn more about overcoming barriers to communication and disability awareness.
* If you want to, you will have the chance to undergo specialist training to drive British Red Cross specially adapted vehicles.