Strength Through Change
Our First Aid Impact
Welcome to our Impact Updates, a reflection of how we turned challenges into opportunities to serve. Last year, we embraced change while continuing to deliver life-saving training and volunteer services across BC and the Yukon.
Discover the milestones we reached, the communities we supported, and the people who made it all possible.
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About St. John Ambulance BC & Yukon
For over 115 years, St. John Ambulance BC & Yukon has been a trusted presence across the province and territory, equipping individuals with the confidence and skills to save lives. Through leading first aid and CPR training, we prepare people to act in emergencies—at home, work, or in the community.
Beyond training, our impact is driven by over 2,000 dedicated volunteers. From providing medical support at public events to offering comfort through Therapy Dog visits and mentoring youth, our programs deliver safety, care, and connection where it matters most.
Together, we’re creating safer, stronger, and more resilient communities.
Our Reach and Impact in Numbers
At St. John Ambulance BC & Yukon, we make a meaningful difference every day by empowering people with life-saving skills and offering care when it’s needed most. In 2024:
We trained over 60,000 individuals in first aid
preparing them to respond with confidence at home, at work, and in their communities. This impact is made possible by our 124+ highly skilled Instructors, whose expertise and professionalism are central to our reputation as a leading provider of first aid training.
We supported nearly 3,500 businesses
in meeting their workplace safety requirements, delivering trusted training and first aid solutions while leading the rollout of CSA-compliant first aid training, first aid kits, and assessments under the new WorkSafeBC regulations.
We mobilized 2,000+ dedicated volunteers
provided first aid services at more than 1,600 community events across BC and the Yukon, and offered comfort and connection through our Therapy Dog program in over 400 facilities, including hospitals, long-term care homes, schools, and libraries.
Key Programs and Initiatives
Training & Education
85%
of our students are extremely or very satisfied with our training programs
Medical First Responder
40,884
volunteer hours keeping our communities safe in over 1,600 community events
Therapy Dog Program
18,594
volunteer hours offering comfort and connection in over 400 facilities
Youth Program
700+
youth gained skills in leadership, emergency response, and mental health support
Leading Through Change: Empowering Safer Workplaces
In 2024, WorkSafeBC implemented significant updates to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, aligning British Columbia’s first aid requirements with the standards of the Canadian Standards Association (CSA). These changes, effective November 1, 2024, introduced new classifications for first aid training—transitioning from OFA Levels 1, 2, and 3 to Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced certifications—and mandated that employers conduct comprehensive first aid assessments for each workplace. Additionally, first aid kits were required to meet CSA standards, and annual first aid emergency drills became a necessity.
Recognizing the critical nature of these changes, St. John Ambulance BC & Yukon took swift action to ensure that individuals and businesses were prepared and compliant. We developed and launched updated, CSA-aligned training curricula ahead of the regulatory deadline, enabling our students to acquire essential first aid skills in 2024. By proactively adapting our programs, we not only facilitated compliance for nearly 3,500 business partners but also reinforced our commitment to fostering safer, more resilient communities across the province.
Responding to Emergencies: Our Volunteers’ Commitment
In 2024, St. John Ambulance BC & Yukon volunteers were called upon to provide emergency support during three major crises across British Columbia and Alberta. These events were unpredictable, demanding tireless effort from our dedicated volunteers, who showed up not only in times of crisis but also continued their local commitments—demonstrating the true depth of their service and resilience.
As the wildfires approached the Williams Lake area, we mobilized quickly to assist with evacuations and the return home of vulnerable individuals. Despite the late-night call-outs and the long days that followed, our volunteers remained committed to ensuring those affected received the necessary support.
As wildfires threatened the Jasper region, forcing thousands to evacuate, highways to Alberta were closed, cutting off the usual routes home. Over 25,000 people were at risk. During this high-pressure situation, evacuees were transported to Kamloops as a temporary stopover. When bus drivers transporting evacuees needed critical rest before continuing via an alternate route to Alberta, St. John Ambulance volunteers stepped in. They provided compassionate support at local hotels, ensuring evacuees felt safe and cared for during an uncertain and exhausting journey. Though they weren’t on the frontlines of the fire, their calm presence and willingness to serve made a real difference in a moment of disruption. At a time when evacuees needed a helping hand and a sense of normalcy, our volunteers showed up—living proof of community in action.
When a landslide blocked critical transportation routes near Farwell Canyon, our volunteers jumped into action. They assisted with evacuating individuals, ensuring the safe relocation of affected communities. Working long hours, often in harsh conditions, they provided essential support, demonstrating the critical role we play in both disaster and community response.
A True Test of Resilience: While 20 of our volunteers were deployed across these three emergencies, their impact far exceeded the number of people involved. These volunteers were called into action at a moment’s notice, often in the middle of the night, and worked extended shifts over several days. What’s more, they did this while continuing to fulfill their regular community commitments. Whether providing first aid at local events or supporting their fellow community members, these volunteers juggled emergency response efforts with regular volunteer obligations, showing their unshakable dedication to helping others, no matter what the setting.
This was not just about showing up during a crisis. It was about the emotional and physical toll of long, unpredictable hours and the personal sacrifices made to ensure public safety. Yet, despite the challenges, our volunteers were unwavering. They showed up with a dedication to the mission that went beyond just the call of duty—they were a lifeline to the communities they served.
Building Capacity for Opioid Emergencies
The toxic drug crisis continues to be one of the most pressing public health emergencies in British Columbia & the Yukon, touching lives across every sector—from construction sites to hospitality venues, and beyond. In response, St. John Ambulance BC & Yukon expanded our Opioid Poisoning Response Training (OPRT) program in 2024, building capacity by training more instructors and empowering more individuals to respond effectively in emergency situations.
To date, over 44,000 people have completed this vital training. The 2.5-hour course is available both in-person and online and is designed for individuals and workplaces. It covers four key modules:
- Harm reduction and destigmatization
- Recognizing the signs and symptoms of opioid poisoning
- Responding using the “SAVE ME” protocol—including hands-on naloxone training
- Understanding responder self-care
Participants leave with the knowledge and confidence to act quickly and compassionately, and with an awareness that opioid poisonings can happen to anyone, often without warning. This program is a critical piece of our broader commitment to building safer, more resilient communities.
Trusted to Support, Ready to Respond
At St. John Ambulance BC & Yukon, our impact is powered by dedicated volunteers and strong community partnerships. Year after year, we bring critical safety, support, and compassionate care to thousands of local events—from large festivals to neighbourhood gatherings. By working together, we ensure public safety and build safer, more resilient communities. The following stories showcase the real, life-saving difference our teams make across the region.
Stories of Impact
In 2024, St. John Ambulance BC & Yukon hosted the first annual charity gala, The Knight Is Young 2024, raising $105,000 to support our youth programs. This event enabled 15 dedicated youth cadets to represent our region at the Asia
From August 28 to September 1, 2024, the city of Armstrong, British Columbia hosted the 123rd annual Interior Provincial Exhibition & Stampede (IPE), a cornerstone event in the North Okanagan region. This five-day fair attracted over 100,000 attendees, offering a
On September 21, 2024, the tranquil setting of John Hendry Park in Vancouver transformed into a haven of literary and canine delight during the fourth annual Canine Library event. This initiative, a collaboration between the Vancouver Board of Parks and
Throughout 2024, our St. John Ambulance therapy dog teams proudly supported Vancouver International Airport’s (YVR) LASI (Less Airport Stress Initiative) Program, bringing comfort and calm to travelers during the airport’s busiest travel periods. With 24 dedicated volunteer teams, our dogs
In February 2024, our volunteer Medical First Responders in Victoria proudly provided on-site first aid support for Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada, a nationally celebrated event that brought together thousands of fans, athletes, and community members. Held at Ship Point
Lifesaving Stories
It was a beautiful day in Victoria, and the city was buzzing with energy as runners took part in an exciting 8K race. But in the middle of all the cheers and footsteps, something suddenly went wrong. One of the runners collapsed on the course — their heart stopped. It was a terrifying moment. But help was already there. St. John Ambulance volunteer Medical First Responders, who were on site for the event, were ready. Thanks to careful planning and
High above the clouds, on a flight from Dallas to Guatemala City, something went terribly wrong. A passenger was in serious trouble — unconscious, not breathing, and in need of help. The flight crew called out for anyone with medical training. That’s when Kevin George, a high school student, and Principal Jason Parker stepped forward. Along with other passengers, they performed CPR on the man for nearly an hour while the plane quickly changed course to make an emergency landing
Sometimes, it’s the quiet moments that turn into emergencies — and sometimes, it’s the people right beside you who make all the difference. It was a normal day at school when something suddenly went wrong. A student began choking on a strawberry, struggling to breathe. In that moment, there was no time to wait for help — someone had to act. That’s when Imran Cavas, another student, and their teacher, Ms. Wittmann, jumped into action. They had both learned first
On the early morning of September 5, 2024, something happened on Highway 3A and 6 near Nelson, BC that changed one young man’s life forever — and reminded us all why first aid training matters. At 6:00 AM, a 2010 Mazda 3 suddenly veered off the road, flipped over after hitting a large rock, and caught fire. The crash was violent and frightening — but what happened next was truly extraordinary. Wein Rauch didn’t see the accident happen, but he
The Future: What’s Next?
Looking to the future, we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. Our foundation is strong, and our strategy is clear. We will continue to innovate, adapt, and grow to meet the evolving needs of our communities. We invite you to join us on this journey, whether through volunteering, supporting our programs, or partnering with us to make a lasting impact.
Your Efforts for Good, Multiplied
Imagine the impact if everyone contributed just a little to the greater good. We see every day how one good turn, multiplied, adds up to significantly healthier, safer, more resilient communities across British Columbia and the Yukon.
You can add to the impact in many ways. You can choose to make a donation that will fund our community programs or take a first aid course — which also helps fund programs while giving you life-saving skills and adding to the number of good neighbours trained in emergency response. Your contribution will start a ripple of positive change, helping us build communities where safety, care, and support are the guiding principles. Small starts, multiplied by many, grow into big changes.