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A hard-hitting road safety presentation aimed at improving safety among young drivers by highlighting the fatal risks of dangerous and careless driving is being delivered to secondary school in Guernsey.

Licence to Kill is a tri-service initiative produced by Guernsey Fire & Rescue Service, Guernsey Police and Guernsey’s Ambulance and Rescue Service. It shows students the devastating consequences of speeding, drinking alcohol and taking drugs, not wearing a seatbelt and using mobile phones whilst driving.

The sessions are presented to Year 11 students, who will soon be behind the wheel. It features footage of local crashes, personal accounts from emergency service workers and the families of young people who have been injured or killed, including Becci who lost her teenage son in a road traffic collision.

Ambulance and Rescue Paramedic Emilia Klucznyk, who was inspired to become a paramedic after seeing Licence to Kill as a student said: “I remember sitting in the audience and being very moved by the stories we heard. In the short time, since starting my career with the ambulance service, I have very sadly seen awful consequences of road traffic incidents on Guernsey’s roads, so this presentation is really important to me. The consequences of making bad decisions and taking risks can be devastating both physically and mentally. It’s not just those who directly involved who feel the pain, but also families, friends and the wider community. We want to help keep our roads safe, not just for the next generation of drivers, but all road users.”

Fire & Rescue Service Crew Commander Gavin Robins who coordinates the annual event said: “The Licence to Kill message is purposely hard-hitting because we not only want to change attitudes but also to raise awareness of the consequences of dangerous driving. As fire fighters, police officers and paramedics we’ve seen first-hand how people are affected both not just with the physical injuries but also with mental health and wellbeing. We want young people to reflect on what they hear and see at the presentation and talk about it with their peers, their parents and their teachers.”

Roads Policing Unit officer Mat Du Port said: “Everyone in our community needs to take road safety seriously. Unfortunately, in the recent years we have seen that serious road traffic collisions do happen in Guernsey, often they involve young people and new drivers and sadly the results can be life changing or fatal. Licence to Kill is a reminder that just because you’ve passed your driving test, you aren’t suddenly able to drive at speed, or when drunk or under the influence of drugs. It is a licence to drive – not a licence to kill.”

When Fran Trathen had a cardiac arrest and collapsed last year, the parish vicar Samantha Martell, who only a week before had completed a Restart A Heart course, immediately stepped in to provide lifesaving CPR.

Alderney’s volunteer Community First Responders and the island’s full-time ambulance crew then arrived on scene and after ongoing treatment Fran’s heart started beating again.

Fran who works part-time at an Estate Agents says her recollection of the events of the day are vague: “I had gone to do a viewing on a property, to show Sam around. I walked in — and that is about it. The first thing I remember was waking up in Alderney hospital and then again in Southampton”

Mother Samantha explained what happened when Fran collapsed: “I’d learned CPR years ago, and I’d done a Restart a Heart refresher course only the week before. I grabbed my phone and dialled 999, and the call handler told me to start CPR. I just went into autopilot and kept going, telling Fran, ‘Don’t die on me.’ It felt like forever, but then I heard the sirens, and suddenly there were people all around us.”

Mother Samantha added: “The training was absolutely paramount. As a priest, I believe God was in all of this. It was the right place and the right time for me to be there for Fran.”

Fran who previously volunteered with the Alderney ambulance service said: “I’ve done CPR myself in the past, but everyone should learn CPR. It could be your son or daughter or your mum or dad or brother who collapses next to you. I don’t think anyone should be without those skills, even children.”

Matthew McAllister Wilding who was on the ambulance crew that day said: “This is what Restart A Heart week is all about. This case is a great example of why it is so important to know what to do and having the confidence to acting quickly. When someone collapses and stops breathing normally, it is important to act quickly and call 999.”

Jim Cathcart Team Leader for Alderney explained: “CPR can double the chances of survival and the survival rates go up again if a defibrillator is available. Fran’s story is one of several cases from Guernsey and Alderney in recent years where people are alive today thanks to a member of the public doing CPR and use of an AED.”

Jim explained: “The call taker will instruct you how to perform CPR, but recent research shows that 42% of people lack the confidence or skills to perform CPR – and only 14% of people feel confident to use an AED, so having the training is a great help. These are skills for life and I would encourage everyone in our community to learn these skills, because one day it could help save a life”

St John Ambulance & Rescue Service, which operates the ambulance service in Alderney is again offering free CPR and AED sessions for islanders during Restart A Heart Week 2026.

On Wednesday 14^th October, drop-in sessions are being held at the ambulance station at Crabby at 10am. 12pm, 2pm and 4pm. There is no need to book.

Restart A Heart is a national event led by the Resuscitation Council which aims to increase the number of people surviving out-of-hospital cardiac arrests.

A cardiac arrest is a medical emergency and without immediate intervention the person will die, but knowing how to do CPR and use an AED – and having the confidence to do it – can significantly improve a person’s chances of survival.

In addition to free public events in both Guernsey and Alderney, St John is also working with a number of local community groups to provide free demonstrations during Restart A Heart Week.

The Flying Christine floating car completed the second leg of its inter-island challenge sailing from Guernsey to Herm on Sunday 20th September.

The journey across the Little Russel took around 45 minutes and the car and its crew of Gary Ward and Paul Phillips were greeted by a large crowd who had been watching from the quay. The group included Herm’s volunteer Community First Responders and other island residents. Among the first people to congratulate the crew were Herm tenants John and Julia Singer. It is believed to be the first car to be seen on Herm since the 1960s.

A flotilla of support boats including the Flying Christine III escorted the bright yellow converted car on the trip. The Guernsey to Herm leg followed the successful crossing from Guernsey to Sark, which took place earlier in the month.

Paul Phillips said: “It was a good crossing, despite the weather looking a bit miserable at first with some fog and drizzle, but that cleared, the winds dropped and the sun came out just in time. We had a more powerful outboard motor for this trip, which was loaned to us by Steve Clark from Commercial Trade Centre, so we made good progress. We did have a bit of water coming in, but we were able to keep it down by pumping it out now and then.”

Gary Ward said: “As we left St Peter Port we did get some strange looks and comments from some French tourists who could not quite believe the car would float, but I’m happy to say that it did – and we made the crossing in good time”

Gary added: “I would like to express my thanks to James Way, the Harbour Master for allowing the use of the Harbour RIB to accompany us, after one of our guard boats had to pull out at short notice. I would also like to thank Whiteway Motors for providing the fuel for the car, Jon Marquis at Cuckcoo Lane Farm for donating the hog roast and the team at the White House for the catering.”

Money raised from the hog roast is also being donated to the Flying Christine fund.

Chief Ambulance Officer John Atkins said: “Gary and Paul have triumphed again. We are very grateful to them and to the other marine ambulance volunteers who have put so much time and effort into this challenge. Thanks too, to everyone who has supported the fundraising effort in their different ways, from the businesses who gave their skills and services to help prepare the car to everyone who has donated to help keep the Flying Christine III maintained and operational so it can carry out its lifesaving work in the islands.”

Paul added: “Money is still coming in, but we have raised about £15,000 so far from the trip to Sark and Herm. We’d like to keep adding to that total, so the fundraising doesn’t stop here. I would really encourage people to donate now via the ambulance.gg website or by scanning the QR code on the car or on any of the posters.”

Any businesses or individuals who wish to sponsor the sailing car challenge can do so via the website ambulance.gg and clicking ‘Support the Flying Christine III marine ambulance’ button or by contacting Paul Phillips directly on 07781 116309. Donations can also be made in person at the ambulance station on the Rohais

Flying Christine III, is a charitable asset operated by Guernsey’s Ambulance and Rescue service and crewed by skilled volunteers from the marine community who make up the pool of coxswains, navigators and engineers. The purpose-built marine ambulance, which is equipped like a road ambulance, carries paramedic teams to Herm, Sark and Alderney, delivering advanced pre-hospital care and medical transport for the sick and injured.

St John Ambulance & Rescue Service, the St John Guernsey charity and St John Training Services are working together to teach islanders life-saving skills with free CPR lessons during Restart A Heart Week.

Restart A Heart is a national event led by the Resuscitation Council which aims to increase the number of people surviving out-of-hospital cardiac arrests.

This year St John is encouraging people from all sections of the community to take advantage of the free training. Heather Langlois, Chief Executive Officer of St John said: “We have been part of Restart A Heart since its started and have trained thousands of people through these community sessions and through the first aid courses offered by St John Training Services, however we are aware that there are still sections of our community, including people from the international community and different cultural backgrounds who we have not fully reached. A cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, so everyone should know CPR, which is why we are inviting people from across our community to take part in Restart A Heart.”

Free public sessions are taking place across the week at the St John training centre in the Rohais. A full list of dates and times are listed below. Places can be booked online via Eventbrite by searching “CPR Guernsey” or Restart A Heart – Guernsey Tickets, Multiple dates | Eventbrite

Dave Welbourne from St John Training Services said: “Without intervention someone having a cardiac arrest will quickly die, but early CPR can double the chances of survival. When someone collapses and stops breathing normally, it is important to act quickly, call 999, perform CPR and use a defibrillator, if one is available, but recent research shows that only 14% of people feel confident to use an AED and 42% of people lack the confidence or skills to perform CPR.”

DAY	TIME	LOCATION
Monday 12^th	10:00	St John Training Hall, Rohais
	12:00	St John Training Hall, Rohais
	14:00	St John Training Hall, Rohais
	18:30	St John Training Hall, Rohais
Tuesday 13^th	10:00	St John Training Hall, Rohais
	11:00	St John Training Hall, Rohais
	14:00	St John Training Hall, Rohais
Wednesday 14^th	19:00	St John Training Hall, Rohais
Thursday 15^th	15:00	St John Training Hall, Rohais
Friday 16^th	09:00-17:00	Beau Sejour

John Atkins Chief Ambulance Officer added: “We know that early recognition of a cardiac arrest, early calling of 999 and early CPR can make a difference – and there have been several cases in Guernsey and Alderney in recent years of people who are alive today thanks to CPR and use of an AED. These are skills for life and I would encourage everyone in our community to learn these skills, because one day it could help save a life”

In addition to the free public events, St John is also working with a number of local community groups to provide free demonstrations during Restart A Heart Week. Events are also taking place in Alderney and further details of these events will be published soon.

More details about Restart A Heart Week, including national statistics, are available here Restart a Heart | Resuscitation Council UK

To find out more about other first aid courses available in Guernsey click on St John Training Services

The Flying Christine floating car has safely arrived in Sark and successfully completed the first leg of the fundraising challenge (Saturday 5th September).

The bright yellow converted car took just under two and a half hours to make the journey from Guernsey, having left St Peter Port at 9:30 am and arriving in Creux Harbour just before midday.

The car was crewed by long serving marine ambulance volunteers Gary Ward and Paul Phillips. The pair had previously undertaken a similar challenge 34 years ago to raise money to help build Flying Christine III.

Arriving in Sark Gary said he was elated: “It was such an amazing feeling arriving in Sark and we had a fantastic welcome from the Sarkees, just like last time which was brilliant. It was also great to see the Lieutenant Governor waving us off from the shore. The crossing went really well, I was actually very impressed with the sea keeping qualities of the car. It felt quite stable, even around the Bec du Nez where there was a bit of swell. I am really pleased we managed to pull it off again after 34 years”

Paul added: “Words can’t explain how I feel. It has been such a great day. I can’t quite believe we did it. We’ve had such great support to make this happen, so I really hope people will dig deep and we can raise a good amount for the Flying Christine.”

The car was accompanied by several support vessels and guard boats, including a retired lifeboat and the Flying Christine III itself. We would like to thank the owners and operators of the boats for their support, as well as all the sponsors and members of the public who have donated to the appeal.

After being welcomed by well-wishes and members of the Sark fire and ambulance services, the car was towed up the hill to the Avenue before being taken to the Island Hall. It will stay in Sark for a week, before the next leg to Herm, which had to be rescheduled due to the poor weather the previous week.

The challenge is raising funds for the Bailiwick’s marine ambulance, to help keep the Flying Christine III maintained and operational so it can continue its lifeline service for the Bailiwick. Flying Christine, which is operated by Guernsey’s Ambulance and Rescue service is a purpose built marine ambulance, fully-equipped like a road ambulance, which transports paramedics to the other islands of the Bailiwick to provide life-saving care, and convey the sick and injured for further treatment in Guernsey.

Chief Ambulance Officer John Atkins said: “I am very proud of Gary and Paul for their achievement, completing the crossing to Sark. Their enthusiasm and dedication to the challenge has been amazing – as has their dedication to the marine ambulance service over many years. Covering the ongoing costs of running the marine ambulance is expensive, but this initiative will make a significant contribution to help keep the lifeline service running”.

Supporting Gary and Paul behind the scenes has been a team of marine ambulance volunteers, who spent many hours transforming the car and making it watertight and buoyant. The volunteers were also supported by a number of local businesses who provided time and materials for the project.

Gary added: “I’d like to make special mention of Mick Le Tissier and Tom Sauvarin who have put in many hours. We’re also dedicating the day to John Vaudin one of our volunteers who sadly passed away this year.”

Any businesses or individuals who wish to sponsor the sailing car challenge can do so via the website ambulance.gg and clicking ‘Support the Flying Christine III marine ambulance’ button or by contacting Paul Philips on 07781 116309. Donations can also be made in person at the ambulance station on the Rohais.

Photos: Tony Rive

The Flying Christine floating car challenge is now set to take place this Saturday (5^th September) from Guernsey to Sark. The bright yellow converted car is due to leave from the Old Lifeboat Slipway, near the Model Yacht Pond on Castle Emplacement at around 09:30hrs on its journey to Maseline Harbour.

The crossing is subject to the weather, with Sunday set aside as a reserve date.

The car had been scheduled to undertake the first leg to Herm last Friday, but the crossing was postponed due to the weather. The Herm leg is due to be rescheduled for a new date in the coming weeks.

The challenge is raising funds for the Bailiwick’s marine ambulance and being undertaken by the same two volunteers who completed a similar challenge 34 years ago. Monies raised will help keep the Flying Christine maintained and operational so it can continue its lifeline service carrying paramedics to the other islands of the Bailiwick and transporting the sick and injured for further care in Guernsey.

The car has been transformed by marine ambulance volunteers with the support of local businesses.

Organiser Gary Ward, who was part of the team which undertook a similar challenge more than 30 years ago said: “We are very excited and eager to go. We were a little disappointed to postpone the Herm leg last week, but safety has to be the top priority. We had this weekend pencilled in for Sark, and the Sarkees have arranged events and activities for when we arrive, so we have decided to go straight to Sark and we will reschedule the Herm crossing for a later date.”

Crewmate Paul Philips added: “Fundraising has been going well, but with a date now set for the challenge we really ask people to dig deep and support us. We really need a few big donations to make it all worthwhile. There’s a been a lot of work, all undertaken by volunteers to get us to this point and get the car ready and the car has attracted a lot of attention during the summer, but this is what we’ve all been building up to.”

Any businesses or individuals who wish to sponsor the sailing car challenge can contact Paul Philips on 07781 116309 or email ambulance.rescue@ambulance.gg. Donations can also be made by clicking ‘Support the Flying Chistine III marine ambulance’ via ambulance.gg or in person at the ambulance station on the Rohais.

96% of people who used Guernsey’s emergency ambulance service in the past year rated their overall experience as good, very good or excellent, 97% of people were highly complementary of the level of respect and dignity they experienced and 98% rated the professionalism of ambulance crews as high or very high.

The findings were among a collection of positive results from the latest Patient Survey showing a significant level of public satisfaction with St John Ambulance & Rescue Service. The survey carried out by Island Global Research also highlighted the way ambulance crews involved patients in the decisions around their care and the satisfaction about the treatment and advice received.

The Non-Emergency Patient Transfer Service which transports patients to and from medical appointments also scored highly in the research with 93% of users rating their overall experience as good, very good or excellent and a similar number (92%) reporting the standard of care was high or very high.

The public was also asked about the annual ambulance subscription scheme, with 96% of members recommending the scheme to others and 86% of people agreeing or strongly agreeing that the subscription was good value for money.

For the first time, views were also sought about the Joint Emergency Services Control Centre (JESCC) which answers all 999 calls. 90% of respondents said their experience of JESCC was good to excellent, with 91% happy with the speed of answering and 92% praising the professionalism of the call taker.

Head of Operations, Dean de la Mare said: “The results of the survey reflect a high-level of care and compassion shown by our ambulance crews, both in the emergency and non-emergency services. Public support for the ambulance service and appreciation for our clinical staff remains very high. Patients were given the opportunity to add their own comments, with exceptional compassion, kindness and respect being mentioned by most respondents. The Ambulance and Rescue team was described as highly professional and competent. There were also many positive comments from patients who felt strongly that crews adapted support for vulnerable patients, especially those in distress, severe pain or with mobility issues. I would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank our ambulance crews for the exceptional service they deliver to our community every day.”

Mr De La Mare added: “The results are very similar to those of the last survey four years ago. Overall approval for the non-emergency patient transfer service has gone up while support for the emergency ambulance service remaining very high. There will always be areas of improvement and the results and the comments will help us develop the service and look at any areas that need addressing.”

“With regard to the subscription scheme, awareness of the scheme has improved and the vast majority of members and non-members felt it was value for money. 9 out of 10 people said it met their needs. The survey also showed the online payment option is easy to use. For some people the subscription scheme was felt to be too expensive, however the cost of a subscription is much lower than a single ambulance call-out and we do offer a monthly payment option and people can join at any time of the year.”

Other key results showed 22% of respondents said they were experiencing a life-threatening emergency when they called the ambulance, while 75% said their call was an emergency but not life threatening. Most people who were experiencing a non life-threatening situation did not consider phoning their GP first. 90% of patients who were treated at home and discharged on scene said they were satisfied with the decision.

The survey was carried out between February and April this year with almost 1500 responses.

Volunteers from the Flying Christine crew are setting out to pull their floating car along Guernsey’s east coast to raise funds for the marine ambulance before they embark on their challenge to sail the marinised vehicle across the Little Russel to Herm and then onto Sark.

The car pull is due to take place on Sunday 9^th August, starting on Bulwer Avenue and finishing at the old lifeboat slipway by Boatworks on Castle Emplacement. The team will be met in town by Guernsey’s Lieutenant Governor, His Excellency Sir Richard Cripwell, who will officially launch the car ahead of the crossing which is due to take place later this month.

The bright yellow car has been converted by marine ambulance volunteers over the past few months with the support of local businesses. It is hoped the car pull will not only raise awareness of the challenge and attract more sponsorship for the event. Monies raised will help keep the Flying Christine maintained and operational so it can continue its lifeline service carrying paramedics to the other islands of the Bailiwick and transporting the sick and injured for further care in Guernsey.

Organiser Gary Ward, who was part of the team which undertook a similar challenge more than 30 years ago said: “We have spent many hours during the winter and spring to get the car ready. We have completed a series of float test, which have all been successful. There have been some modifications and improvements, but we are ready to set sail. The car pull will give people a chance to see the car, get behind the project and donate to the marine ambulance. Hopefully lots of people will come out to support us or meet us in town.”

“The Flying Christine III is a charitable asset and this boat along with its predecessors have saved countless lives over the years. It has delivered life-saving treatment and transported many very ill people to hospital. It has also seen new lives being brought into the world. That is only possible thanks to the support and generosity of the public.”

Crewmate Paul Philips added: “We’ve had lots of support from local businesses and people who have donated or sponsored the car so far, but what we really need is a big sponsor or two who wants to get their name all over the car to help boost the fundraising.”

“We are also offering corporate places on the support boat, provided by Herm Trident, for any sponsors who want to be part of the flotilla which will follow the boat on the crossing and join us for a barbecue on Herm.”

Any businesses or individuals who wish to sponsor the car can contact Paul Philips on 07781 116309 or email ambulance.rescue@ambulance.gg. Donations can also be made by clicking ‘Support the Flying Chistine III marine ambulance’ via ambulance.gg or in person at the ambulance station on the Rohais.

The car pull is scheduled to start at 11:30 and arrive in town by 14:30.

A woman from Sark has given birth onboard the Flying Christine III marine ambulance as it made its way from Sark to Guernsey. The special event happened last month, late at night, on what had been one of the hottest days of the year and while lightning storms lit up the Channel.

Kyla Magell called 999 after she went into labour at her home in Sark during the evening. The marine ambulance and paramedic crew was deployed from St Peter Port and the Sark doctor and island’s tractor driven ambulance was dispatched to the scene.

When the Flying Christine arrived as Maseline Harbour Kyla was quickly assessed taken aboard for urgent transfer to Guernsey, leaving Sark at just before 11pm. At less than 20 minutes into the crossing, at 11:11pm, Kyla gave birth to a daughter, delivered by the Sark doctor, who had travelled with the patient, and assisted by the Guernsey based paramedic.

This week the volunteer boat crew of the Flying Christine, the medical teams and Dr Jenkins were all reunited with the family in Sark.

Kyla was planning a hospital birth but baby Harriet arrived early. Kyla said: “It ran so smoothy, everyone around me was calm, everyone knew what they were doing and kept me updated as we went along, which I what I needed. I trusted everyone I was with and it was all fine and just fantastic.”

Dad Jake added: “It was a bit surreal watching it all happening, I was sat on the chair next to the stretcher and the crew were shuffling around me, it was quite an experience, but it was amazing. It wasn’t plan A, but it all worked so well together.”

Marine ambulance coxswain Andy Lowe said: “I feel really honoured to have been on the boat crew for such a lovely and memorable event. It was my second time to have a baby born on board from a Sark call out. It was lovely to see the family again.”

Paramedic Jim Cathcart said: “It was a very special occasion, especially for the family, but also for the crew. We don’t get called to many maternity cases and having a baby born in an ambulance is quite unusual, but a baby born on the Flying Christine is extremely rare. We train regularly with midwives from Loveridge Ward and on the night all the training kicked in. Everything went really well. The Flying Christine crew, who are all volunteers, got us there quickly and safely and then kept the ride as smooth as possible for the return journey. They did a fantastic job balancing the urgency to get to St Peter Port with the need to ensure everyone was safe and comfortable on the way back.”

Dr Bruce Jenkins added: “I knew when I examined her, that the baby was coming quickly. It’s easy to be clever in retrospect and I should have probably delivered her baby at home, but in reality, it’s less stressful to have her on the way to hospital in case.

“When babies are born, they come when they want to come and that’s where you’ve got to know what you’re doing. It was uncomplicated and Kyla was fantastic the whole time the whole way through.”

Trainee EMT Ian Ferreira who also part of the medical team was on his first ever trip on the Flying Christine said: “It was a real privilege to be part of this call. Working on a boat that was moving up and down with the sea added another level of complexity, but everyone remained calm and worked together to ensure mum and baby were cared for safely.

“I’m very grateful to have been part of such a special moment. Seeing a new life come into the world in such unique circumstances was an incredible experience and, without doubt, one of the highlights of my journey as a student EMT. It’s something I’ll always remember and a reminder of how rewarding this profession can be.”

A hard-hitting road safety presentation aimed at improving safety among young drivers by highlighting the fatal risks of dangerous and careless driving is being delivered to secondary school in Guernsey.

When Fran Trathen had a cardiac arrest and collapsed last year, the parish vicar Samantha Martell, who only a week before had completed a Restart A Heart course, immediately stepped in to provide lifesaving CPR.

The Flying Christine floating car completed the second leg of its inter-island challenge sailing from Guernsey to Herm on Sunday 20th September.

St John Ambulance & Rescue Service, the St John Guernsey charity and St John Training Services are working together to teach islanders life-saving skills with free CPR lessons during Restart A Heart Week.

The Flying Christine floating car has safely arrived in Sark and successfully completed the first leg of the fundraising challenge (Saturday 5th September).

Volunteers from the Flying Christine crew are setting out to pull their floating car along Guernsey’s east coast to raise funds for the marine ambulance before they embark on their challenge to sail the marinised vehicle across the Little Russel to Herm and then onto Sark.

A woman from Sark has given birth onboard the Flying Christine III marine ambulance as it made its way from Sark to Guernsey. The special event happened last month, late at night, on what had been one of the hottest days of the year and while lightning storms lit up the Channel.

The Bailiwick's marine ambulance has taken part in the annual Sark Sea Service.

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