Emergency Response Unit Volunteers Illustration

Join the Team

St. John Ambulance Emergency Response Unit volunteers provide essential medical care and assistance to Canadians whenever — and wherever — disaster strikes.

As an Emergency Response Unit (ERU) volunteer, you could play a vital role in the critical areas of emergency preparedness and response across Canada.

ERU Volunteers Provide
  • On-site emergency care
  • Psychosocial peer support with trained volunteers and therapy dog teams
  • Medical care in sites and shelters
  • Medical care during evacuation
  • Community empowerment
  • Search and rescue operations
  • Auxiliary care and logistical support to authorities in healthcare institutions, reception centres, and other emergency facilities

 

Logistics and Support Volunteers

Open to: Everyone

New in name but not in duties, logistics and support volunteers contribute to St. John Ambulance but are unable to take on patient care or cannot meet the time commitments of a regular volunteer. They are responsible for set up and teardown at larger events, performing administrative tasks and handling paperwork, shuttling volunteers to and from duty locations, and restocking supplies and equipment. In some cases, these volunteers will also set up field hospitals from the Public Health Agency of Canada’s National Strategic Stockpiles.

 

Illustration of male volunteer for Emergency Response Unit Group
Illustration of woman Emergency Response Unit Volunteer with stethoscope

Patient Care and Psychosocial Support Volunteers

Open to: Existing medical first responders and/or therapy dog volunteers
 

Casualty Evacuation and Recovery Procedure (CERP) volunteers are responsible for the safe and efficient evacuation and recovery of casualties or injured individuals from a hazardous or emergency situation. These volunteers will primarily be drawn from existing medical first responders and therapy dog volunteers. They will receive additional training and will have self-identified as being available for a short-notice call-out. 

 

Before you apply

While we appreciate all interest, there are a series of qualifications that ERU volunteers must meet in order to join the St. John Ambulance team. ERU volunteers must:
 

  • Be at least 18 years of age or older
  • Have a strong affinity toward helping in emergency situations
  • Have the physical and mental capability to assist on disaster sites
  • Obtain a police record check (with a letter from the organization)


A medical background is preferred, although not necessary, and a development pathway customized to your level of knowledge and certification is available. This may include, but not be limited to, program orientation, Medical First Response course, peer-support mental health training, health and safety training, as well as opportunities to learn to use the Emergency Response Unit equipment.

Ready to join the SJA community?
Join our volunteer team