ST John Ambulance and the Jamaica Automobile Association (JAA) have established a unique partnership which will result in the nation’s leading roadside assistance organisation improving the level of post-crash care available to Jamaicans.

Duane Ellis, general manager of the JAA, said this new synergy with St John comes as the association seeks to fulfil its commitment to the United Nations Global Decade of Action for Road Safety Campaign, for which the motor club is the local implementing body.

“The fifth pillar of the campaign addresses proper post-crash care, and seeks to achieve a decrease in lifelong injuries and death as a result of road crashes,” he said.

As part of the synergy, the JAA is now a special service area of St John Ambulance and 23 members of the JAA staff complement have been inducted as members of St John Ambulance. They now form part of the volunteer corps of St John, which also provides first aid coverage at major events.

“The first aid training has enhanced the skill sets of employees, especially our roadside assistance technicians, who are often among the first on the scene of road crashes involving JAA members,” Ellis said.

In addition, under the partnership, the JAA will provide fleet management for St John that will include the servicing, document renewal, and registration of vehicles.

“We will also be enhancing where applicable, the training of St John drivers to ensure adherence to general road safety standards,” the general manager pointed out, adding, “We will also be working to increase the number of St John volunteers across the country by engaging our membership base, as well as working through the JAA Junior Club programme to promote first aid amongst students” he added.

Alison Christie Binger, executive director of St John Ambulance Jamaica, said the addition of the new service area initiative with the JAA will promote the important work of St John Order and its delivery of valuable first aid care.

“We are extremely happy about the spirit of volunteerism shown by the employees of the JAA, and we are looking forward to strengthening that partnership,” Binger said.

JAA employees have individually committed to provide a minimum of four volunteer hours per employee, per month; and they join a global corps of more than 400,000 volunteers worldwide who serve the organisation, which has been in Jamaica since 1899.

The mission of St John Ambulance is to: Enhance the well-being of people of all races and creeds through the provision of first aid ambulance services and training to prevent and relieve sickness and injury without prejudice.