Volunteers help celebrate Olympic achievements

St John Ambulance first aiders made sure everyone was well looked after – and cheered on the home team - when Britain's Olympic and Paralympic heroes had their Beijing victory parade through London today.

Large crowds celebrated with heroes such as triple Olympic cycling champion, Chris Hoy, and double Paralympic swimming sensation, Ellie Simmonds, 13 as the parade passed from Mansion House, down the Strand to Trafalgar Square. Boxer and gold medallist, James DeGale, even took the time to stop and say hello to the St John Ambulance team

Overal only seven people needed treatment at the event but St John Ambulance were prepared to deal with any eventuality and were called to deal with two 999 calls in support of the London Ambulance Service.

The nation’s leading first aid charity had a treatment centre in London’s Trafalgar Square, where the parade ended and an ambulance and motorcycle responders formed part of the parade to ensure easy access to any incident.

Twenty-three volunteers gave up their spare time, travelling from all over the city and taking time off work, to show their support for Team Great Britain and their phenomenal success at the Olympics.

Paul Herbage, Assistant Commissioner and the officer in charge of the event, said: ‘The whole morning went very well, with a good humoured crowd, who turned out to welcome home the Olympic team in bright sunshine.

‘We treated seven patients for minor injuries and aliments related to the event itself and dealt with two 999 calls in the vicinity of the parade at the request of the London Ambulance Service.’