St. John Ambulance BC/Yukon

02/02/2026

Life isn’t a movie. Stop waiting for the dramatic music. 🎬

❌The Myth: If someone is having a heart attack, they’ll clutch their chest, gasp for air, and collapse onto the floor like they’re auditioning for a daytime soap opera.

The Reality: While chest pain is common, real life is often much sneakier. Waiting for a "dramatic moment" is dangerous because many people—especially women, seniors, and people with diabetes—may never feel that crushing chest pressure at all. If you’re waiting for the "Hollywood Clutch," you’re waiting too long.

✅The Fact: Heart attacks can feel like "burning" indigestion, a dull ache in the jaw or neck, or even just a sudden, overwhelming sense of fatigue and nausea. If it feels "off" and it’s above the belly button, take it seriously.

Don't wait for a standing ovation. If you suspect a heart attack, call 9-1-1 and get help immediately.

Would you recognize a heart attack if it didn't look like the movies? Be the person who knows what to look for. Sign up for a First Aid course and get the skills that actually save lives.

View our training courses: sja.ca or see the Linktree in our bio.

👉Help our mission to empower safer communities by liking and sharing our post. Follow us for more on first aid and safety!

💚DID YOU KNOW? Proceeds from your course registration directly support our volunteers across BC and the Yukon, from Therapy Dog teams to Medical First Responders and Youth Cadets.

01/29/2026

Did you know that dogs are actually "brain chemistry" wizards? 🧠🐶

It’s not just "puppy love"—there is a powerful physiological reaction that happens when you pet a therapy dog. Science shows that interacting with a calm, friendly dog triggers a massive release of oxytocin (often called the "love hormone") in your brain.

What does oxytocin actually do?

💚Lowers Stress: It immediately drops your cortisol (stress hormone) levels.
💚Boosts Mood: It creates an instant sense of calm and safety.
💚Slows the Heart: It helps regulate the nervous system, lowering blood pressure.

At St. John Ambulance, we see these "miracles" every day across BC and the Yukon. We’ve seen non-verbal children begin to speak after reading to a dog and seniors in care homes find renewed joy. Our four-legged volunteers visit hospitals, schools, and even correctional facilities to bring comfort where it's needed most.

Help us keep the tails wagging and the healing happening:

🟢Train: Register for a First Aid course (proceeds fund our therapy dogs!).
🟢Shop: Buy your first aid kits and safety supplies from us.
🟢Give: Donate directly at the link below.

Learn more about our impact at www.sjaimpact.ca ✨

👉You can also help us by liking and sharing our post with your friends, and following us for more on Therapy Dogs, first aid and safety!

01/27/2026

🌟 A huge shout-out to Veronica for her fantastic review! "The training is incredibly thorough," she says, and we couldn't agree more! We're committed to giving you the most comprehensive first aid education out there. Join Veronica and become thoroughly equipped!

✅Book your course now! Online: sja.ca Toll-free: 1.866.321.2651

👉Did You Know? Your St. John Ambulance course registration helps fund our incredible volunteer initiatives, including our Therapy Dog Program, Medical First Responders, and Youth Cadets. Train with us and empower your community!

💚Help us out by liking and sharing this post. Follow us for more on first aid and safety!

01/22/2026

💚More Than a Uniform: The Skill Behind the Service

Have you ever wondered what it takes to be the person who steps up when an emergency strikes?

At public events like the Interior Provincial Exhibition (IPE) or community festivals across the Yukon and BC, St. John Ambulance volunteers are a familiar sight. But their expertise isn't accidental. It’s forged in "training nights" held in neighborhoods just like yours.

Our Medical First Responders are trained to handle the moments no one wants to imagine:

✅ Stabilizing broken bones and major trauma.

✅ Performing high-quality CPR during cardiac arrests.

✅ Leading emergency scenes before the ambulance arrives.

Our instructors are veterans of the field, passing down a 1,000-year-old charitable tradition of helping those in need. And because the work is tough, our CISM program ensures that our volunteers have the mental health support they need to keep serving you.

Next time you see us in the community, know that you are in the best possible hands.

🟢Learn more about our impact and how we’re keeping BC and the Yukon safe: www.sjaimpact.ca

👉You can support our mission to empower safer communities by liking and sharing this post, and by following us for more on first aid and safety!

01/16/2026

Celebrating the Heroes of the Frontline 🚑

At St. John Ambulance, we see the dedication it takes to serve our communities every day. Many of our volunteers start their journey here as Medical First Responders before answering the call to become professional Paramedics.

We are proud to support our colleagues at the Paramedic Association of Canada as they open nominations for the 2026 Awards of Excellence.

Do you know a paramedic who has gone above and beyond? Or perhaps a "paramedic supporter" (including educators and researchers) who is changing the field?

Let’s make sure their impact is recognized at PACE 2026 in Victoria!

🗓 Deadline: February 15

To nominate someone, see the shared post and related information.

Do you know any exceptional Canadian paramedics? Please take the time to nominate them for a Paramedic Association of Canada Award of Excellence. These awards are open to any Canadian Paramedic or Paramedic supporter, and will be presented in Victoria at PACE - Paramedicine Across Canada Expo / Paramédecine Au Canada Expo

Head to https://paramedic.ca for more information. Application deadline Feb 15.

01/14/2026

There are two types of people in this world:

People who have a first aid kit. People who think they have a first aid kit, but actually just have a box of 10-year-old gauze and a dried-up tube of cream. Which one are you? 🧐

In a home emergency, you want to be the "Home Superhero." Imagine the looks of pure envy from your friends and family when you pull out a flashy, top-tier first aid kit from St. John Ambulance. You’ll look prepared, capable, and honestly, pretty cool.

But here’s the best part: Your purchase gives back! Every kit sold helps our volunteers:

✅Provide trusted Medical First Responder coverage at public events
✅Connect with, comfort and care for those in need at senior care and other facilities (our Therapy Dog teams! 🐾)
✅Prepare youth with health-centred skills in emergency response and community leadership

You get a great kit; our communities get more care.

Don't wait for a "oops" moment to find out your kit is useless: Check your kit today—if it’s dirty, damaged, or older than your kids, replace it!

Shop our selection of home kits here: https://ow.ly/Rmxo50XMNt4

👉SAVE 20% ON HOME KITS THIS JANUARY: Grab your promo code at sja.ca before you shop!

💚Help us empower safer communities by liking and sharing our post. Follow us for more on first aid and safety!

01/12/2026

Ready for your first real job? 🤔

Babysitting isn't just watching kids—it's your first step into the professional world! Our Babysitting Course gives you a massive advantage by teaching you crucial, transferable skills that employers actually look for:

✅ Responsibility & Reliability: Handling a job where safety is the priority.
✅ Problem Solving: Navigating unexpected situations (and meltdowns!).
✅ Communication: Clear updates for parents (your "clients").

Think of this as professional development for your future career. Invest a small amount of time now and gain a skill that puts money in your pocket and looks great on your resume later.

Learn how to get certified and start earning: https://sja.ca/en/training/home-family/babysitting-basics

🔴UPCOMING CLASS: ABBOTSFORD - FEBRUARY 13🔴

💚DID YOU KNOW? Proceeds from every course registration support our volunteer Youth Cadet Program, helping train youth today to become tomorrow's leaders.

01/08/2026

Stop treating your injuries like a side of toast. 🍞

We’ve all heard it from a well-meaning relative: “Burnt yourself? Put some butter on it!”

❌The Myth: People used to think the grease would soothe the skin or seal out the air.

The Reality: Butter belongs on your sourdough, not your skin. Applying grease or oil to a fresh burn actually traps the heat in, essentially continuing to cook your tissues like a Saturday morning fry-up. Plus, it’s a great way to invite a nasty infection to the party.

✅The Fact: When things get a little too toasty, the only thing your skin wants is cool (not freezing) running water. Keep it under the tap for at least 10–20 minutes. No ice, no ointments, and definitely no dairy products.

Don't be the person standing in the kitchen with a greasy arm and a bad idea. Be the person who actually knows how to handle the heat.

Stop winging it and start winning. From workplace certs to "I just want to be prepared" basics, we have the right first aid course for you.

🟢Learn more & register: www.sja.ca

💚YOUR TRAINING GIVES BACK: Proceeds from every course registration directly benefit our volunteer Community Service programs, like the Therapy Dog Program where our four-legged friends bring comfort, care and connection to senior care homes and other facilities across BC and the Yukon.

👉Help spread our message of care by liking and sharing this post, and following us for more on first aid!

01/05/2026

📣 We are thrilled to shine a spotlight on Loralee Wilson, the newest recipient of the Gold Level St. John Ambulance Lifesaving Award!

This past May, Loralee was enjoying a day at Como Lake when disaster struck: her friend, Jerry, fell out of his boat and into the water. With Jerry struggling, going under twice, and facing hypothermia and a pre-existing condition (COPD), the situation was critical.

Loralee raced into action! Working swiftly with responding Coquitlam RCMP officers, she helped pull Jerry to safety at the shoreline. The immediate use of first aid skills—removing his wet clothing and wrapping him in blankets—made all the difference, stabilizing him until paramedics arrived. Thanks to Loralee’s bravery and quick thinking, Jerry survived!

The award was presented by Honorary SJA Volunteer Brigade President Richard Liu at the Vancouver Golf Club. Join us in celebrating Loralee and thanking the brave RCMP officers who assisted in this successful rescue!

👉 Do you know a hero like Loralee who has saved or attempted to save a life through the application of first aid knowledge and skills? Help us recognize their bravery!

💚 Nominate them for a St. John Ambulance Lifesaving Award today: https://ow.ly/cBX950XJWV3

12/30/2025

We're closing the book on 2025, and our hearts are overflowing with gratitude for every single member of the St. John Ambulance BC & Yukon family! What a year it has been—a year defined by compassion, dedication, and life-saving action.

This success belongs to all of you:

🙏To the tens of thousands of students who stepped up to learn critical First Aid and CPR skills. You are now heroes in your communities.

🙏To our passionate instructors and the businesses who partnered with us, prioritizing safety and empowering their teams with essential knowledge.

🙏To our generous sponsors whose support continues to bolster our mission to empower safer communities.

And especially, to our incredible volunteers—the soul of our organization!

🙏Our Medical First Responders who tirelessly kept the public safe at hundreds of events and responded when disaster struck (floods, wildfires, and more).

🙏Our wonderful Therapy Dog teams who brought comfort and care to seniors, students, and those most in need.

🙏Our inspiring Youth Cadets who demonstrate incredible community spirit, showing us that our collective future is bright and full of hope.

Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for making 2025 a truly wonderful year. Your time, passion, and commitment are invaluable.

👉 Let's make 2026 even safer! Join us in our mission—whether by taking a course, volunteering, or sponsoring. Together, we can empower more communities with the skills to save a life. Learn more: sja.ca

12/24/2025

However you celebrate this magical time of year, one thing is for sure: connecting with loved ones is what makes it special! ✨ As you gather for festive meals, house parties, or quiet moments by the fire, St. John Ambulance wishes you a joyous and safe holiday season.

Remember to:

❤️ Stay Connected: Check in on friends, family, and neighbours. A quick call or message can make all the difference!

🧤 Stay Warm: Whether you're out caroling or cozying up indoors, dress for the weather and keep warm.

🩹 Stay Safe: Look out for each other, be mindful of your surroundings, and know basic first aid.

From all of us at St. John Ambulance BC and Yukon, happy holidays!

12/22/2025

A highly positive learning experience is one of our top goals! ✨ Thanks, Mei!

Get 5-star training. Learn more and register for a first aid course today: https://ow.ly/enke50VasaE

👉Please like and share our post with your friends and follow us for more on first aid and safety!

💚PROVIDING COMFORT AND CONNECTION💚Proceeds from your course registration bring emotional support to schools, hospitals, care homes and other vulnerable populations through therapy dog visits, touching the lives of those who need it most.