The vehicle is one of fifty funded by a capital grant by the Mark Master Masons through their Mark Benevolent Fund to the Order of St John with the specific aim of providing new ambulances, treatment centres and support vehicles to St John.
The ambulance will be used by volunteers in their work providing first aid cover at events around the island. Each year volunteers attend around 150 events, including Liberation Day, sporting fixtures, summer shows and school fetes.
Although the vehicle is not of the same specification as an emergency road ambulance, it will be used as an additional resource for major incidents and as back up vehicle for the St John Emergency Ambulance Service if emergency vehicles are already deployed or unavailable.
Pictured: The Ambulance which was donated.
Chairman of St John Guernsey, Jurat David Hodgetts said: “The Mark Master Masons have a long relationship with the national Order of St John and at the turn of the Millennium, the Mark Benevolent Fund provided a significant contribution to replace the organisation’s fleet of ambulances.
“Those ambulances, including ours in Guernsey, have served us well, but are now in need of replacing with vehicles which will have up-to-date medical technology and features. We are extremely grateful for this generous gift.”
Nikki Harrison, Chief Operating Officer of St John Guernsey added: “We are delighted to be getting this new ambulance for Guernsey. I would like to thank the Mark Master Masons for their ongoing support of St John and their generosity in fundraising.
“The replacement vehicle will soon be seen at public events around the island where we provide first aid cover. I know our volunteers will appreciate the new working environment and updated features, as will members of the public who need first aid treatment.”
The chairman of St John Guernsey, Jurat David Hodgetts received the keys to the new ambulance from the Pro Grand Master of the Mark Master Masons, Most Worshipful Brother Raymond John Smith who was representing the Grand Master, HRH Prince Michael of Kent.