A LISKEARD man is one of a team of volunteers who have ’quietly helped to save lives’ all over the country.

Trev Hatcher is with the St John Ambulance, which has been helping with the safe collection of blood from donors in Cornwall.

St John has offered invaulable help to the NHS during the Covid pandemic in what is a departure from the charity’s usual first aiding role.

Nationally, volunteers with St John Ambulance have helped donors give more than 60,000 units of blood since May, at 700 treatment sessions, including those run in Liskeard.

The volunteers’ role includes screening donors to check their health and wellbeing as they arrive to give blood, to help prevent the spread of coronavirus, providing a reassuring presence, and being an extra pair of hands, freeing up NHS staff to do their vital work.

Adam Williams, head of Community Response at St John Ambulance says: ’This is a great example of how the combined efforts of volunteers across the country, working alongside donation teams to keep sessions COVID-secure, can make a massive difference.

’I’ve seen such amazing feedback from blood donors and our friends at NHS Blood and Transplant, thanking our people for everything they’re doing. We’re only too happy to help.

’The simple care, compassion and good humour of St John people is helping keep the country’s blood supply flowing and ensuring NHS Blood and Transplant collects plasma for vital clinical trials as scientists research new ways of combatting the coronavirus.

’It may not be the first aid people are used to us providing, but St John Ambulance volunteers are quietly helping to save lives.’

Mike Stredder of NHS Blood and Transplant said: ’We’ve been very fortunate to have had the help of many St John Ambulance volunteers across the country to aid with the triage of blood donors at our donation sessions.

’Triage is a vital part of the donation process. Having St John Ambulance volunteers undertake triage frees up our fantastic donor carers to focus on the work they are specially trained for, including health check screening, haemoglobin testing, preparing the donation, inserting the needle, and ensuring the donor feels comfortable throughout.

’On behalf of NHS Blood and Transplant, I’d like to thank every St John Ambulance volunteer who has given their time to help out on a blood donation session. Their support is very much appreciated.’