On the night of 16th/17th January 1974 the Cypriot vessel which was carrying a cargo of timber lost power during a storm and struck the Conchee Reef near Perelle. The vessel was holed below the waterline and the crew abandoned ship, tragically their lifeboat was overwhelmed and all eighteen crewmen died.
Neil Tucker, who had only joined the ambulance service a few months earlier, recalls hearing the radio messages in the control room. “I was on my first evening shift and I remember hearing the voices of crew say they were going to abandon ship. They said they were going around and around and didn’t know where they were. It wasn’t nice to listen to.”
On the morning of 17th January the Chief Ambulance Officer Reg Blanchford asked for two volunteers to be winched onto the wreck by helicopter to carry out a search and take photos for the investigation. Keith Fothergill and John Marshall who were part of the dive team stepped forward.
“We went straight to airport and were picked up by helicopter then we were lowered onto the deck. At the time it was a job just like any other emergency. The sea was still very rough and every time a wave came in the whole boat shuddered,” said Mr Fothergill.
Mr Marshall added “The weather was horrendous but we had trained for this type of incident. I remember having to climb over timbers and the front of the wheel house was smashed in. We found the cabin clock which was full of sea water and had stopped at quarter past one.”
The pair were also among the crew of the Ambulance and Rescue Inshore Rescue Boat, with Mick Peters and Colin Bartie, which was sent to the scene the following day.
Ken Brehaut was in the first ambulance tasked with retrieving the bodies from the coastline. “The weather conditions had been horrendous and the sound of the wind was awful,” he said. “After we retrieved the first body my job was to supervise the temporary mortuary which had been set up by the authorities and handover the bodies to the police.”
To mark the anniversary representatives from Guernsey’s Ambulance and Rescue Service and the St John charity attended a memorial ceremony at the Prosperity monument at the L’Eree headland. The event which is organised by the Guernsey Association of Royal Navy, Royal Marines & Merchant Navy is due to be attended by the family of one of the crewmen from the Prosperity. The service was conducted by Dean of Guernsey Tim Barker and the St John chaplain Adrian Datta.
During the moment of reflection when the crew of the Prosperity were remembered the congregation stood silently in the cold wintery shower and all that could be heard was the wind and the sound of the sea in the background.
Every year the St John Ambulance and Rescue Service receives cards, emails and letters of thanks and appreciation from patients, carers and their families for the care and compasion given by our clinicians.
Greg and Kelly share the accolade for 2023 and they both received the Chief Ambulance Officer’s Recognition of Performance Award for their achievement.
Kelly is a Preventative Care Paramedic, working in a partnership project with Guernsey’s health and social care department promoting physical health and wellbeing and supporting independence and safety at home.
Greg is a full-time paramedic with Guernsey’s emergency ambulance service and a volunteer Community First Responder.
The award was presented to them jointly, by Marc Farror, Chairman of St John Ambulance and Rescue Service, Guernsey.
In January 2023, Sonia was providing temporary cover for the island doctor, when she was called to an injured patient located on a treacherous cliff path. Sonia was working in an unfamiliar environment with members of Sark’s volunteer ambulance and fire crews, who she had only just met.
The cliff path where the incident occurred is described as treacherous even during the daytime in good light, but to add to the challenge this incident happened at night.
Sonia not only lead the rescue but also provided treatment and management of the patient, using her clinical experience and principles of joint working.
Steve Torode, the ambulance officer who was on duty in Guernsey that night commended Sonia for her professionalism and leadership.
“Whenever Sonia provided an update she was calm and had already thought of a plan and a back-up plan. She also listened to additional suggestions, taking all the information available to successfully extricate the casualty in what would have been a difficult situation in Guernsey, never mind on a different island”.
The patient was conveyed by Sark ambulance to the harbour and transferred to the Flying Christine marine ambulance and onwards to Guernsey for further treatment at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital.
Sonia was full of praise for the island’s emergency responders who were involved in the rescue operation and who worked hard to achieve a positive outcome, sentiments echoed by St John Ambulance and Rescue Service.
St John provides the ambulance service on behalf of the States of Guernsey through a grant from the Committee for Health & Social Care. The grant is a contribution towards the operating costs of the service, with the remaining costs being met in a variety of ways including the subscription scheme and charges. An ambulance attendance in Guernsey is not free, so anyone who isn’t a member of the subscription scheme will be charged for an ambulance attendance. The scheme is available to join irrespective of your age or pre-existing medical conditions.
Membership of the 2024 scheme for Guernsey and Herm residents is £63 for an adult (aged 18 years to 65 years) £29 for a child (under 18) and £46 for a senior citizen (65 and over). For Sark residents (all ages) membership is a flat rate of £149.
Monthly Direct Debit payments are now available, instead of an annual one-off payment. The monthly rates are: adults £5.25, children £2.42, senior citizens £3.83 and Sark residents £12.42. Payment can also be made by card on the subscription portal https://subscription.ambulance.gg, or by card, cheques and cash in person at the ambulance station reception (Monday to Friday 08:30-16:30), cheques can also be sent in the post to St John Ambulance and Rescue Service, Rohais, St Peter Port, GY1 1YN.
Members of the scheme receive an annual reminder explaining what the cost for the next period will be and the option to cancel if membership is no longer required. For new subscribers, membership must be taken for a minimum period of 12 months.
Without a subscription, an ambulance responding to an emergency call can incur a charge of £447 (plus an extra £86 if additional paramedic skills are required), a non-emergency patient transfer booked in advance by a healthcare professional will incur a charge of up to £144.
Renewal emails and letters for existing members are being sent out this month and anyone with an existing direct debit will be automatically renewed and therefore they do not need to take any action unless their details have changed or they wish to cancel.
A Subscription Scheme membership will cover an individual for up to 10 non-emergency patient transfers, 5 emergency ambulance attendances and 5 marine ambulance transfers. (This does not apply to transfers in respect of renal dialysis treatment, which are unlimited when arranged by a healthcare professional). Should an individual reach the allotted number of transfers within their membership period, they will have the option to purchase a top-up to the subscription. Top-ups are at an increased rate and subject to a maximum of two in any one year, which is still less than the cost of an ambulance without a subscription.
2024 Ambulance Subscription Scheme Annual Cost
| Type | Cost |
| Adult | £63 |
| Child | £29 |
| OAP | £46 |
| Sark resident | £149 |
2024 Standard Ambulance charges (No subscription)
| Type | Cost |
| Ambulance charge | £447 |
| Marine Ambulance Herm | £591 |
| Marine Ambulance Sark | £2,212 |
| Deployed Paramedic Skills | £86 |
| Non-Emergency Patient Transfer | £144 |
The full range of charges and the opportunity to take out a subscription can be found on the subcription website https://ambulance.gg/subscription-scheme/ or by request.
Chief Executive Officer Mark Mapp said: “In our ongoing commitment to providing cost-effective and accessible emergency medical services, St John Ambulance and Rescue annually reviews our subscription scheme. Recognising the challenges of medical inflation exceeding the current cost of living, we prioritise equal access to our vital services for the entire community.
This year, in a proactive effort to address health inequalities, we are pleased to introduce a monthly direct debit option for our subscription scheme. By enabling costs to be spread over 12 months, we aim to enhance accessibility and ensure that our essential services are within reach for everyone in the community.
St John Ambulance and Rescue is dedicated to evolving our practices to serve the community better. We remain steadfast in providing high-quality, accessible emergency medical services.”
The States of Guernsey has issued a warning of severe weather which is due to arrive on Wednesday with the worst of the storm and winds of up to 95 mph predicted to hit in the early hours of Thursday. On Thursday, islanders are being advised to stay at home if possible and not travel unless essential.
St John Ambulance and Rescue Service (SJARS) is putting special arrangements in place, which will be continually reviewed based on the latest information. The safety and protection of patients, staff and volunteers will continue to be our priority. Operational changes may be needed during the storm, and at times there may be delays to ambulance responses. 999 calls will be triaged with the priority being given to life threatening cases. For less urgent calls medical advice from a clinician may be given over the phone.
The Non-emergency Patient Transfer Service (NEPTS) will only be providing transport for essential patients. Any patients whose journey will need to be rescheduled will be contacted by the NEPTS team.
For the latest information please visit https://www.gov.gg/stormciaran
Miss Lihou delivered a presentation titled ‘Ambulance service safety culture and its relationship with patient safety incident reporting’ at the annual Ambulance Leadership Forum (ALF), organised by the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives, which took place at Celtic Manor in Wales this week.
The presentation was based on the findings of a research project undertaken by Miss Lihou with the University of Liverpool, where she has been studying a Masters of Science in Healthcare Leadership.
The academic project looked at the experience of ambulance clinicians and analysed the relationship between safety culture and the reporting of patient safety incidents across a number of ambulance services.
Aimee said she was delighted to represent Guernsey and St John at this event: “It was a huge privilege to be invited to speak at ALF. Patient safety is a subject I am deeply passionate about and is at the heart of my role in Guernsey, where we encourage the reporting of safety incidents and events as part of a supportive culture to improve patient care. I was interested to investigate this issue across several island jurisdictions and to consider what lessons could be learnt and what developments could be made, I believe the finding of this research could have wider implications for all ambulance services”
Mark Mapp, CEO of St John Ambulance & Rescue Service added: “Aimee’s contribution to this critical topic will undoubtedly make Guernsey’s presence felt on the national stage.”
Established in 2006 and hosted by the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE), the Ambulance Leadership Forum (ALF) is the only annual event designed specifically for senior leaders across the UK ambulance sector. This highly respected annual conference and showcasing event brings together board members, managers, NHS system leaders, politicians, academics, and health & social care partners with key suppliers who have a direct interest in improving the UK ambulance sector.
The ‘Exceptional Paramedic’ award was presented at the Ambulance Leadership Forum (ALF), a national ambulance sector event organised by the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE), which was held at Celtic Manor, South Wales between 02-03 October 2023.
Kelly’s work is a partnership between St John Ambulance & Rescue Service and Guernsey’s Committee for Health & Social Care. Part of the project includes a health review scheme for islanders when they reach their 80th birthday, known as ‘Cake and Consultation’ which promotes physical health and wellbeing, and supports independence and safety at home. The project aims to address any concerns while they are in their infancy, before they escalate.
Mark Mapp, CEO of St John Ambulance & Rescue Service said: Kelly’s dedication and outstanding performance in preventative care have earned her this well-deserved national recognition, and we couldn’t be prouder. This partnership project has benefitted patients who have received individualised clinical advice, lifestyle support and provision of equipment to improve health and wellbeing. The feedback from our community has been extremely positive.”
Dr Lynda Potter, Associate Director, Community Health & Social Care said: ‘With an ageing population the broad aim of Kelly’s post is to provide proactive interventions for people as they age, particularly those with frailty, or those at risk of becoming frail. Kelly has succeeded in her role and perhaps the best testimony is from those people who she has made a difference to.
Here are some comments froma few of
Kelly’s patients:
“Anyone who saw Kelly would have the best experience of health care”
“I very much want to stay independent for as long as possible. This service helps me to do that. Prevention is better and cheaper than cure”
“To know that one can get in touch with the Adult Community Services if one needs help or advice as one gets older, makes me feel better.”
Anna Parry, Managing Director of AACE said: “The AACE outstanding service awards give ambulance trusts the opportunity to pay tribute to one member of staff from each of our seventeen member services who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to their work during the past year.
Whether they are front line clinicians, control centres operatives, volunteers or working in support teams, this year’s recipients have really done themselves, their patients and their colleagues proud, with each person highly deserving of this recognition by their peers.”
Established in 2006 and hosted by the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE), the Ambulance Leadership Forum (ALF) is the only annual event designed specifically for senior leaders across the UK ambulance sector. This highly respected annual conference and showcasing event brings together board members, managers, NHS system leaders, politicians, academics, and health & social care partners with key suppliers who have a direct interest in improving the UK ambulance sector
This annual initiative unites a coalition of partners committed to increasing survival rates from sudden out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.
Mark Mapp, CEO of St John Ambulance and Rescue, emphasised the vital importance of this collaborative effort, stating: “The Emergency Ambulance Service works closely with the Cardiac Action Group, public sector, and other community-based charities right across the Bailiwick to help improve survival from sudden out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Each year, an alliance of partners team up to raise awareness of what the community can do should they be faced with someone who has collapsed before the arrival of an ambulance.”
Restart a Heart Day serves as a powerful reminder that every member of our community has the potential to become a lifesaver. Through engaging face-to-face training sessions or the innovative Resuscitation Council UK Liversaver online interactive learning tool, individuals can equip themselves with the knowledge and skills needed to respond effectively in a crisis.
St John Ambulance and Rescue, together with the Cardiac Action Group, have been steadfast in their commitment to making life-saving training accessible.
Mark Mapp added: “St John provides training in schools and to the wider community, and with the Cardiac Action Group offering free awareness sessions for the past few years, there is no excuse for not stepping forward to save a life if needed.”
In a medical emergency, it is crucial to act swiftly and confidently. Mark Mapp urge: “Should anyone need help in a medical emergency, they should contact the Joint Emergency Service Control Centre immediately by calling 999 or 112. The caller will be supported with first aid advice and directed to any nearby defibrillators before the arrival of the emergency services.”
Restart a Heart Day is not just a day on the calendar; it’s an opportunity for our community to come together, empower themselves with life-saving skills, and make a difference when it matters most. St John Ambulance and Rescue and its dedicated partners are committed to ensuring that everyone in the Bailiwick has the knowledge and confidence to act in emergencies.
Join us in celebrating Restart a Heart Day and take the first step towards becoming a lifesaver in your community. Details of community events in Guernsey around Restart a Heart Day will be published shortly.
Displays will include a 4 x 4 off-road vehicle, ambulance equipment, major incident tent and first aid skills. There will also be live demonstrations and a rare opportunity to go aboard the Flying Christine III marine ambulance. The vessel will be alongside in the Victoria marina and the volunteer crew will be on hand to provide guided tours.
The special event will also feature the popular variety of Seafront Sunday stalls, family activities, attractions, food outlets, arts & crafts and market traders.
Heather Langlois, Chief Executive Officer of the St John Ambulance Guernsey charity said: “St John offers so many services in the Bailiwick and many of these operate quietly behind the scenes. This will be a great opportunity to highlight these services and to show islanders all of the great work that the St John organisation does”.
“Seafront Sundays are a great day out for the whole family and this will be a chance for people to enjoy all that the event has to offer as well as find out what St John is all about, to meet our dedicated teams and to see first-hand just what we do”.
Chief Executive Officer of St John Ambulance & Rescue Service, Mark Mapp added: “The Flying Christine III is a purpose built marine ambulance, which has been serving the Bailiwick for nearly 30 years. We are delighted to be able to invite visitors onboard the Flying Christine III to learn more about this essential lifeline service. The Seafront Sunday is also an opportunity for us to say thank you to islanders for their support.”
St John Ambulance has been active in Guernsey since the 1930s, initially with the teaching of first aid courses before evolving in to the St John organisation we know today. Throughout its history, St John Guernsey has served the Bailiwick by delivering care and compassion, reflecting the enduring charitable promise of the worldwide Order of St John to serve humanity.
Today the St John Ambulance Guernsey charity and the St John Ambulance & Rescue service provide the Badgers and Cadets youth programme, adult volunteers, event first aid, a community library, Community First Responders (CFRs), Caring Callers, first aid in schools Volunteer Ambulance Reserve, a Cycle Response Unit (CRU), the ambulance service in Guernsey and Alderney, medical outreach to the whole Bailiwick with the Flying Christine marine ambulance and major incident responses for the islands.
St John Training Services also delivers a wide range of courses as the Bailiwick’s leading provider of first aid training.
The St John Seafront Sunday event takes place on Sunday 24th September from 10am-4pm and further details can be found at www.ambulance.gg/seafront-sunday
Emergency Ambulance Crew respond to both emergency and non-emergency calls, providing high quality, professional and compassionate care for patients. Working as part of a team, ambulance crew attend, assess and start pre-hospital emergency treatment for a wide range of patients, in accordance with current clinical procedures, within the scope of practice for the role.
This is a full-time paid role and St John Ambulance and Rescue Service will provide training towards a recognised qualification in Emergency Care and offer opportunities for new team members to work alongside experienced ambulance crews to develop practical skills, information and knowledge.
This role is not a 9 to 5 job as ambulance crews work on a shift basis including weekends and bank holidays. Successful applicants will also be required to work shifts in Guernsey to maintain clinical competence. Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively at all levels are essential skills and applicants should also have a minimum of 12 months driving experience, hold a full driving licence, and a C1 or D1 licence, or be willing to work towards gaining the C1 licence.
Working as part of a team, ensuring the safe transfer of patients, undertaking risk assessments and accuracy in record keeping and documentation are other key skills and responsibilities for this role.
Full details, a job description and application form are available at ambulance.gg. The closing day for applications in Friday 8th September.
St John Ambulance and Rescue Service was commissioned by the States of Alderney as the new provider of the ambulance service in Alderney and took over responsibility for the service in April this year.
St John is also in the process of recruiting volunteer Community First Responders who will be trained and equipped to provide emergency care for patients in the minutes before the ambulance arrives.
Can you help us to continue these important services?
