Dorothy Westerman
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (June 24/05) - The organization with roots that reach back before the Crusades is strong in the North.

St. John Ambulance, known for its role in assisting others in times of need, is the oldest chivalric order in the world, says Yellowknife president Darin Reeves.

"We've always been there in the communities providing a service of health and safety and support," Reeves said of the order, which has been in Canada for 135 years.

In fact, Reeves said many communities started their ambulance service through St. John Ambulance.

"One time in Inuvik and Rae-Edzo, we ran the ambulance service and we once ran the Medevac service out of Yellowknife."

Today, Reeves said the role of the several hundred members of the brigade is to provide medical assistance to those in need at various venues in the community.

"There are times when you may only have to hand out a band-aid; there are times when you have to contain a scene and provide care," Reeves said.

After 17 years as a member of the St. John Ambulance brigade, Reeves, incoming president, believes in what they can do.

"I enjoy first and foremost, the people," he said.

"It has been an amazing opportunity to work with individuals regardless of position, regardless of community.

"We all share an interest in helping others. I have met people I ordinarily wouldn't have met," Reeves said.

"I also enjoy being able to help others - I kind of like that word chivalry. What can be greater than to help our fellow person."

Ruth Rolfe, executive director of the St. John Ambulance in Yellowknife for seven months now, said the organization is involved in several projects, including the therapy dog program.

"It's so successful nationally. We'll start it back up by the fall," she said.

Another venture by the St. John Ambulance is the new summer safety camp.

"The children can learn at an early age the basic skill sets that can help them for the rest of their lives."

Rolfe said the annual operating costs for the organization are about $400,000.

One of the largest challenges she says is the recruitment, retention and mobilization of volunteers.

"We've been working hard at setting up some new structures and getting the face of St. John's revitalized," she said.

"But training is the key to the success of the organization, especially here in the North.

"I think the oil and gas (industry) will have a large impact on us as far as additional training and more requirements."