St John Ambulance Association lapel badge (1930's - 1950's)
An unusual and attractive enamel lapel badge from the St. John Ambulance Association (SJA). If anyone knows what this badge was issued for I would be very grateful to know. The badge’s style of manufacture suggests it could date from the 1930’s to the 1950’s.
The badge shows an eight-pointed Maltese cross, which from 1888 alternating unicorns and lions were added to each quadrant. After the First World War (1914-1918), the eight points of the SJA cross were given specific meanings to represent the eight qualities a first-aider should have:
1) Observation skills.
2) Tactfulness – to make the patient feel confident in their abilities and to ask questions to determine the symptoms of the patient.
3) Resourcefulness.
4) Dexterity – to handle a patient and equipment with care and speed.
5) Discrimination – to decide which injury or patient needs treatment first.
6) Perseverance – to keep going determinedly.
7) Sympathy for the patient.
8) Explicitness – to give clear instructions.
(Ref: The St John Ambulance Brigade – Brigade Standing Orders and Divisional Rules handbook).
Today, the St. John Ambulance Association (UK) is a registered charity that provides first aid cover at public events and first aid training qualifications. They also provide emergency response and ambulance services. The majority of 40,000+ members are volunteers with over half of them under the age of 25.
Badges and certificates are awarded to members who can go through a number of ‘cadet’ training stages and these are worn as part of the uniform.
For more information, their website is at www.sja.org.uk/sja/default.aspx and en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_John_Ambulance_in_England_and_Wales
This badge is made from die-stamped brass with three enamels (black, white & red) and finished in a nickel plating. There is a buttonhole (horseshoe shaped) clasp on the reverse with the text ‘Registered at St Johns Gate London’ and the maker’s name – J.R. Gaunt, London. The badge measures 1 3/16” in diameter (30mm).
Thank you for reading.
Stuart.
St John Ambulance Association lapel badge (1930's - 1950's)
An unusual and attractive enamel lapel badge from the St. John Ambulance Association (SJA). If anyone knows what this badge was issued for I would be very grateful to know. The badge’s style of manufacture suggests it could date from the 1930’s to the 1950’s.
The badge shows an eight-pointed Maltese cross, which from 1888 alternating unicorns and lions were added to each quadrant. After the First World War (1914-1918), the eight points of the SJA cross were given specific meanings to represent the eight qualities a first-aider should have:
1) Observation skills.
2) Tactfulness – to make the patient feel confident in their abilities and to ask questions to determine the symptoms of the patient.
3) Resourcefulness.
4) Dexterity – to handle a patient and equipment with care and speed.
5) Discrimination – to decide which injury or patient needs treatment first.
6) Perseverance – to keep going determinedly.
7) Sympathy for the patient.
8) Explicitness – to give clear instructions.
(Ref: The St John Ambulance Brigade – Brigade Standing Orders and Divisional Rules handbook).
Today, the St. John Ambulance Association (UK) is a registered charity that provides first aid cover at public events and first aid training qualifications. They also provide emergency response and ambulance services. The majority of 40,000+ members are volunteers with over half of them under the age of 25.
Badges and certificates are awarded to members who can go through a number of ‘cadet’ training stages and these are worn as part of the uniform.
For more information, their website is at www.sja.org.uk/sja/default.aspx and en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_John_Ambulance_in_England_and_Wales
This badge is made from die-stamped brass with three enamels (black, white & red) and finished in a nickel plating. There is a buttonhole (horseshoe shaped) clasp on the reverse with the text ‘Registered at St Johns Gate London’ and the maker’s name – J.R. Gaunt, London. The badge measures 1 3/16” in diameter (30mm).
Thank you for reading.
Stuart.