Coronation first aid memories (From Crewe Guardian)

Coronation first aid memories

7:00am Tuesday 24th July 2012 in News By Matthew Taylor

A ST JOHN Ambulance volunteer from Crewe features in an online project to celebrate the charity’s 125th anniversary.

Barbara Smith’s recollections of first aid duty during the Queen’s Coronation in 1953 form part of an archive of 125 stories that recount the charity’s work during a backdrop of world events - from saving lives during WW2 to dealing with Beatlemania.

“My husband, Albert and I, together with our friend Tony Rimmer, were lucky enough to be on duty at the Queen’s Coronation,” remembered Barbara.

“In between administering first aid, I was lucky enough to watch the Queen of Tonga and Duke of Gloucester’s family travel by.

“Some of the first aid I administered during the day was to help people who had fainted after being overcome with excitement or lack of food.

“On observing a man feeling faint they rushed to his aid. He was desperate to see the Queen and had travelled from Ireland to see her.

“My husband respected his wishes and delayed his first aid treatment. They held him up long enough so he could see Her Majesty pass by and then they swiftly administered the necessary first aid.”

Barbara’s memories can be read alongside other St John stories at www.sja.org.uk/125voices.

St John Ambulance’s current 40,000 volunteers help save lives and educate the public on first aid.

Find out more and get involved at www.sja.org.uk