Celebrating 140 years of St John Ambulance

Two men carry another on a stretcherSt John Ambulance

At the turn of the 20th Century, two St John Ambulance volunteers show how to make an improvised stretcher out of a jacket and two rakes.

A man in a cycle ambulance from the 1910sSt John Ambulance

The modern ambulance has come a long way since this cycle carriage, which was recommended for use in industry, large towns and the Royal Army Medical Corps. Patients who used the carriage reportedly said that it was both comfortable and easy running.

Sir Winston Churchill stands with two nursesSt John Ambulance

Sir Winston Churchill shows his support for the Joint War Organisation, made up of St John Ambulance and the British Red Cross. During World War Two, fundraising was a vital function of the organisation, as money was needed for supplies, equipment and training and tracing the wounded and missing.

Volunteers look after people with simulated illnessesSt John Ambulance

The scene at a first aid demonstration, which would simulate real-life situations, such as severe bleeding or cardiac arrest, as a way of testing competitors’ reactions when put in an emergency situation.

A volunteer embraces a woman wrapped in a blanketSt John Ambulance

Competitions would also take place for young volunteers, who would have to comfort people playing the part of "victims".

Volunteers demonstrate the Heimlich manoeuvreSt John Ambulance

Volunteers from the South West Yorkshire and Canada branches demonstrate how to save someone when they are choking.

An injured man is helped by volunteersSt John Ambulance

Two St John Ambulance volunteers assist a casualty at the 1976 Notting Hill Carnival.