Sam Davies from Pembrokeshire, who works in the NHS as a Charge Nurse, is one St John volunteer who will be on hand to support people who need help this Christmas and beyond.

While some people are tucking into their turkey or snoozing on the sofa, St John People like Sam will still be on hand working and volunteering in the heart of communities across Wales.

They will be providing volunteer responder Urgent Care, Falls Response and crisis support on behalf of the Welsh Ambulance Service over the festive period, with a number of 24/7 schemes across Wales.

Sam is one of St John Ambulance Cymru’s Volunteer Alternative Responders, who are located in the heart of communities and are trained to delivering immediate, lifesaving care before an ambulance arrives.

When Sam was recently called to assist a patient who was showing signs of sepsis, his quick thinking meant the patient was taken to hospital in time to receive urgent care— and they recovered and returned home.

St John People will also be providing first aid cover at local events, with many swims and running challenges taking place on key dates including Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

St John Ambulance Cymru Chief Executive, Richard Lee said: “Our fabulous St John People are dedicated to putting others first, our teams are on duty every day supporting the NHS and local events making sure that your community is safe.”

As a special thank you, the charity has arranged for all staff who are working on Christmas Day to receive a Christmas dinner, which will have been sourced from hotels and restaurants across the country.

Mr Lee added: “This is just a small gesture to thank those who will be supporting people in communities across Wales with their loved ones and in recognition of their efforts to help keep people safe.”

If you would like to donate to St John Ambulance Cymru’s Christmas Appeal to help support the charity’s work, visit www.sjacymru.org.uk/christmas-appeal.

For more information on the first aid charity for Wales and the work St John People do across the country, visit www.sjacymru.org.uk or follow @SJACymru on social media.