1916 – The Other Volunteers The Story of St John Ambulance during the Rising

The St John Ambulance Association had been teaching first aid to lay-people in Ireland since 1881. In 1903, eminent physician Dr John Lumsden – the Chief medical officer at the Guinness Brewery – set up the first division of the St John Ambulance Brigade in Ireland. The purpose of the Brigade was to provide trained, uniformed personnel to assist at accidents and medical emergencies. At the time, membership was restricted to Guinness employees. However, the organisation grew quickly and the first Division open to public membership – City of Dublin – formed in 1905.

St John Ambulance rapidly gained respect… Continue reading →