Mark Mapp began his career with Guernsey’s ambulance service in 1998, starting in the non-emergency division before moving to the emergency team as an Emergency Medical Technician. He trained further to become a paramedic, trainer, and acting Sub Officer.
Mark also spent eight years working in various roles at Health and Social Care (HSC) while continuing part-time with the Ambulance Service. He contributed to numerous projects within the Ambulance Service until his full return in 2019. Later that year, he was appointed Chief Ambulance Officer.
Mark’s leadership style has had a remarkable impact on the ambulance service. Under his guidance, the service successfully navigated the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. He has been instrumental in the development of the service as part of Health and Social Care’s (HSC) Partnership of Purpose, with a focus on enhancing patient care, improving quality, and ensuring financial stability.
Mark’s connection with St John Guernsey began at just 15 when he joined as a Cadet. There, he acquired vital first aid and teamwork skills, quickly excelling in local and UK Ambulance Aid competitions. During his student years studying Engineering at Portsmouth, Mark continued his dedication by volunteering with the St John adult sections there.
Upon returning to Guernsey, Mark rejoined the St John charity, taking on various senior volunteer roles. He also contributed significantly to the Volunteer Ambulance Reserve, applying his expertise and leadership to support and enhance the local ambulance service.
Today, Mark continues to be a registered paramedic and although his main role is the strategic oversight and development of the ambulance service, he remains operational and from time to time works with frontline crews responding to medical emergencies. As well as serving as Chief Ambulance Officer, Mark is also a volunteer Community First Responder and sits on the board of the St John charity. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of St John in 2023.
Outside his ambulance work, Mark played a key role in establishing the 24-hour Public Access Defibrillator scheme in 2013 and creating the Community Resuscitation Development Officer role while volunteering as Chair of the Cardiac Action Group.
Furthermore, he is an Advanced Life Support instructor with the Resuscitation Council UK, delivering training in ALS, ILS, PILS and NILS, locally, across the UK, and even in Europe.
Mark’s career has been marked by his invaluable contributions to the healthcare sector. He has served with the NHS’s East of England Ambulance Service and Guernsey’s health service, gaining a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the health care sector. He remains an active member of the College of Paramedics and is committed to supporting the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE) and The Ambulance Staff Charity (TASC).
Mark expressed his gratitude, saying, “It is an incredible honour to have been nominated for the King’s Ambulance Medal, and I am extremely humbled to receive this award. I am proud to have been a paramedic for over 20 years and fortunate to have worked with so many dedicated individuals committed to delivering care and compassion to islanders in their time of need. Guernsey truly has a remarkable team within the ambulance and health care service, making a difference in people’s lives every day. I am also proud of my long-standing association with St John, where my ambulance career really began, and I hope this award reflects that as well.”
When asked about his reaction to the nomination, Mark said, “It was completely unexpected, and I had to look a number of times at the notification to believe it. I was truly shocked and speechless. It’s tough because you can’t share the news immediately. I don’t know who nominated me, but I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported and encouraged me over the years.”
The King’s Ambulance Medal (KAM) was established by Royal Warrant in 2011, originally named the Queen’s Ambulance Medal. This prestigious award recognises those who have demonstrated exceptional service and dedication in the field of emergency medical care. The medal is awarded to members of the NHS ambulance service or their equivalents across the United Kingdom, the Isle of Man, and the Channel Islands.
Recipients of the KAM have shown outstanding devotion to duty, whether through frontline response, management, or support roles, contributing significantly to patient care and the overall effectiveness of ambulance services. The introduction of this medal serves to honour the recipient for excellence in a profession that is vital to public
Posted: June 14, 2024
The seven volunteers, who come from a variety of backgrounds, are equipped with an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) and other medical and first aid equipment, so they can respond to life-threatening medical calls in their immediate vicinity, in a similar way to Community First Responders in Guernsey. In the future, the team will be deployed for critical and major incidents in Alderney to provide additional resilience for the ambulance service.
The introduction of the Alderney Emergency Responders follows a successful recruitment campaign and a period of on-island training by staff from Guernsey’s Ambulance and Rescue service, which took on responsibility for ambulance provision in Alderney in April 2023. Ambulance and Rescue now employs four full time paid Emergency Ambulance Crew who work on a rota basis ensuring 24/7 operational cover.
Chief Executive Officer of Guernsey’s Ambulance and Rescue service, Mark Mapp explained: “The initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to Alderney and is part a wider phased strategy to develop resilience for the island. It builds on the establishment of the new ambulance service, which became operational in April last year. I am delighted to welcome the new volunteer Emergency Responders to the team. They have all demonstrated a desire to make a difference in their community, and with their training, new skills and equipment they will be a valuable asset to the island.”
After reading a Guernsey Press article in 1997, about a library needing volunteers to deliver books to people in their homes, Grace Spittal began volunteering with the St John Community Library. Almost 26 years later, Grace’s service and continued dedication to the library and its users has been recognised at a recent presentation.
The St John Community library is a free to access library service which has both a physical library in the Rohais and also offers a free home delivery service for those who can’t visit the library. Heather Langlois, chief executive of the St John charity said “Our library is run by a dedicated team of volunteers who also provide friendship, social contact and conversations for people who might otherwise feel isolated or lonely. A visit from a delivery volunteer like Grace, may be the only visitor that some of the service users will see each week. We are so immensely grateful for Grace and for all that she has done over the years”.
Asked what she enjoys most about her role, Grace said she spends a lot of time with her readers to find out about their literary tastes which she then uses to customise the selections of books to deliver to that reader. “I had one reader who only read Cowboy books, and over the years most of those books had been issued to him at least seven times! I expect the plots were similar but as long as there was a horse, a goodie, a baddie and a gal – that made riveting reading! I love meeting people and reading, so I offered my help all of those years ago and am still enjoying it” said Grace.
The St John Community Library in the Rohais is open to the public on Tuesdays 1pm-4pm. Home deliveries take place throughout the week. The library can be contacted on 727129 or by emailing library@stjohn.gg
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
St John volunteers from across the world including St John Wales, St John Australia, St John Gibraltar, St John England, joined the St John Guernsey volunteers and staff from St John Ambulance & Rescue, to provide first aid cover over the course of the week-long event. In a number of incidents, 67 patients consisting of both competitors and spectators directly involved with the games were treated.
“Without a doubt, the Guernsey Island Games is the largest event that St John Ambulance Guernsey has covered in recent years. The level of planning was extensive and several years in the making” said Phil Ozanne, Community Operations Manager for the St John charity “I am also very pleased that several of our St John Ambulance colleagues from across the world, gave up their own time to join us in Guernsey and provide their services and skills to complement those of our Guernsey volunteers. There has been a real team spirit across the board and many of our Guernsey volunteers in particular, stepped up to take on additional responsibilities and tasks above and beyond those of their normal duties. I’m immensely proud of all of them”
In preparation for the games, several thousand hours were spent in training sessions and on planning. More than 60 volunteers and members of staff from St John, provided in excess of 1,887 duty hours over 22 separate events. St John provided 8 vehicles, numerous temporary structures, pop-up treatment first-aid posts and several tons of specialist medical equipment. The emergency ambulance service also attended seven cases involving Island Games team members, five of which were at sporting events and two were at team accommodation.
John Hollis, Knight Commander of St John Guernsey said “What a fantastic and friendly Island Games in Guernsey, based on reactions from competitors, visitors and locals alike. Obviously, such events simply cannot take place without the considerable efforts and expertise of St John volunteers and professionals. Just as St John Guernsey provided substantial support a few years ago to Gibraltar when the Island Games took place there, we also benefitted from substantial support from our international colleagues and we give them our heartfelt thanks for it.”
Dean de la Mare Head of Operations for the Emergency Ambulance & Rescue said: “The Island Games was a fantastic week for Guernsey. As part of our preparations for the Games a number of specific response plans were drawn up and additional staff were brought in to provide cover for some of the sporting events. The Games passed without serious incident and I am pleased that our contingency plans were not needed. During this time the service also continued to provide the emergency and urgent pre-hospital care for the island. I would like to thank the crews who were on duty and the St John volunteers, including those who traveled from other countries, who also provided additional support during the week.”
St John Guernsey wishes to sincerly thank all of the volunteers & staff members. We would also like to extend our gratitude to the employers of our volunteers, as many have given our volunteers time off from work, so that they were able to volunteer their time for the games.
Peter who needs round the clock care in the Intensive Care Unit told BBC Guernsey he felt “over the moon” after nurses from the PEH surprised him with a visit to the Island Games. Peter added “After being there for four months and to come out and see this… an absolute privilege.”
St John Guernsey received a request to assist with transporting Peter from ICU to the Track to watch Guernsey play the Isle of Wight. Volunteers from St John England, including a volunteer paramedic who had travelled to Guernsey to support the local St John charity were part of the team which helped Peter. His nursing team was also there to ensure he remained comfortable in his bed, which was decorated with Guernsey flags.
ICU staff at the hospital told the BBC “it was an absolute dream” to fulfil his wish.
(Images courtesy of BBC Guernsey/John Fernandez)
Mark Guilbert was the longest serving volunteer to be recognised having started as a St John cadet at the age of 12 and then serving for 40 years. During his time with St John Mark became an adult volunteer and trainer and was promoted to the rank of Commissioner of Operations. Mark won the National St John first aid competition and also served as a one of Guernsey’s first volunteer Community First Responders.
Mark said: “As a volunteer it is great giving something back to the community, but there is also the satisfaction of knowing that your actions may save a life. As a trainer it was always great to get feedback that your training has enabled others to use those skills for real.”
Trish De Carteret and Dr Rachel Major both received 4th bars to their long service medals, having volunteered with St John for 30 years.
Trish became a St John cadet when she was 10 years old having left Brownies and not wanting to join Guides. As an adult Trish worked as a youth leader when she reached 18 and later went on to become Commissioner of Youth.
Trish has fond memories of her time as a youth leader: “I loved working with the young people and helping to develop the skills of the young members. There were many highlights, including taking 30 cadets to Biberach in Germany on camp with the German Red Cross. I have got a great sense of worth, helping people, teaching, attending public duties, safeguarding and helping lead the organisation. Now I get pleasure working with the Fellowship keeping the retired members connected.
Dr Rachel Major always knew she wanted to do something in health and felt that St John would be a good place to help her gain experience. Rachel went on to qualify as a nurse and now teaches new generations of health care professionals at the Institute.
Rachel has been a divisional superintendent of a cadet division, been a Badger leader, the Bailiwick Nursing Office, Health and Social Care Manager and now Safeguarding Manager for St John.
She said: “I have met so many brilliant people over the years, both in St John and members of the public. Highlights would include seeing badgers and cadets grow and flourish. Over the years I have gained a lot from volunteering. It helped me to develop confidence and leadership skills. I have met people I may never have met otherwise. I first learnt to teach in St John and continue to teach and assess St John members. For me it is important to give back to the community and that gives me a great deal of satisfaction.”
Wilma De La Mare was presented with her 2nd bar having completed 20 years of service.
Husband and wife Jason and Annette Gallienne who have volunteered for 20 and 15 years respectively also received their long service bars.
Fiona Naftel was presented with her long service medal and 1st bar having completed 15 years service. Tony Robert was presented with his 1st bar after 15 years service.
Tom Burnett and Bertram De La Mare were presented with their long service medals for 10 years service.
St John Ambulance Guernsey Chief Executive Officer Heather Langlois paid tribute to all those who received awards: “St John is an organisation which provides a wide range of services to our local community. With their varying degrees of experience, skillsets, and backgrounds our diverse group of volunteers dedicate countless hours to caring for those around them, some of whom have given years of their life to the service. For their time, efforts, commitment, and passion over the years I extend my personal thanks, for without them we could not do what we do best, care for life.”
St John Ambulance Guernsey is launching a new Caring Caller project to help tackle loneliness and social isolation. The free telephone service will link trained volunteers, who have time to listen and chat, with older people who are living alone, feeling isolated or cut off from their community.
Caring Callers also offers a telephone check-in service for people who might benefit from a call, either on a regular basis, or on a temporary basis when normal support networks, such as friends and family are unavailable. The check-in service will also offer a safety net for anyone who cannot summon assistance in the normal way.
Once trained the Caring Caller volunteers will be matched with people with similar interests or shared experiences and will catch-up on a regular basis over the phone. The service not only aims to end loneliness but also to help improve well-being and other health issues among isolated, vulnerable or older adults.
The St John charity is launching the Caring Caller service together with an appeal for more volunteers to coincide with National Befrienders Week which runs from 1st – 7th November and celebrates the benefits of befriending and creating connections.
Heather Langlois, Chief Executive Officer said: “Even in a small island community, self-isolation may result in people in feeling disconnected or cut off from friends, family or the outside world. Just having someone ask you about your day can make all the difference to how you’re feeling and brighten up your day. Caring Caller is all about connecting people and helping to end loneliness. Similar projects operate in other parts of the world and have been shown to have a positive impact on individuals health and wellbeing, as well as reducing the demands on other services which people who are feeling lonely sometimes turn to when they don’t have anyone else to talk to.”
Kelly Marquis, Emergency Ambulance Service Paramedic Practitioner added: “We know that loneliness and isolation can impact on both mental and physical health. In my own experiences as a Paramedic Practitioner, I have met people who are on their own and who feel low or anxious or experience other mental or physical health related issues because of loneliness. The ‘Campaign to End Loneliness’ draws on research that suggests in some cases loneliness can be as harmful to physical health as smoking fifteen cigarettes a day. While the Caring Caller volunteers are not counsellors or healthcare professionals they may spot when someone is not well and be able to follow a welfare process to signpost them to other forms of appropriate care, if needed.”
Marica Bale, Community Support Officer at St John Ambulance Guernsey added: “We are looking for friendly, chatty people of all ages and from a variety of backgrounds, who have a positive outlook on life and who are happy to spend time talking to others. We will try and match people with similar interests, but the conversations could be wide ranging. Our volunteers will undergo training, induction and ongoing support.”
To find out more about the St John Caring Caller service or to volunteer as a Caring Caller call 01481 727129 or email Caring.Caller@stjohn.gg
Members of a new scheme will be able to make savings at a growing number of businesses across the Bailiwick as the St John Support & Save scheme is rolled out to the public from Monday 17th October 2022.
The initiative has been set up by the St John Ambulance Guernsey charity to raise vital funds for the charity’s voluntary activities which includes Event First Aid Volunteers, Badgers & Cadets, the Flying Christine III, Community Library, Cycle Response Unit, Ambulance Reserve, Community First Responders and the Caring Caller service.
Heather Langlois, Chief Executive of the St John charity said “We wanted to bring a further benefit to supporting a charity and St John in particular, those who join the scheme will make savings many times over and above what they have donated to become a member. The businesses who are onboard the scheme, receive additional customers and the St John charity receives a valuable boost to our fundraising – it really is a win for everyone. Our charity, like so many others at the moment, is struggling to raise funds in these difficult times, so the fact that you can get something back when you support our charity is something that we hope will be of great appeal and a fresh take on the more traditional type of fundraising”.
The Support & Save scheme has been in development for the past 6 months and was tested by members of the St John voluntary section. Janet Unitt, who volunteers as a St John Advanced First Aider and Community First Responder, was the first member of the scheme and said “Being a total fan of making a saving, I jumped at the chance to get my membership and take part in the trial, I’m sure that I will get plenty of use out of the card and knowing that it all starts with supporting a great charity, makes it even more worthwhile”.
The St John Ambulance Guernsey charity operates a variety of services to the benefit of the community and relies entirely on fundraising and making charges for our event first aid cover. Our Volunteers collectively provide thousands of hours of service each year to support our community in a multitude of ways, both at public events or behind the scenes.
St John Support & Save scheme memberships cost £25 and can be purchased online, via www.ambulance.gg or by calling in to the St John Healthcare shop in the Rohais.
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