Adrian Petticrew was promoted to Grade III in 2019 for his outstanding voluntary service to SJA (NI) and the local community in being the Unit Manager of our largest ambulance unit for 19 years, following on from his father, who in turn followed his father. He received the OBE for services to SJA (NI) and the NHS, as our NHS Liaison Officer during the various waves of the Covid-19 Pandemic, where he coordinated our major ambulance response.
In his own words, Adrian shares: “I joined St John Ambulance (SJA) in May 1977 as a cadet, and I am currently Unit Leader St John Ambulance West Belfast Unit, which I have been since 2000.
Our West Belfast Unit is probably the largest and busiest ambulance unit in Northern Ireland. We have 10 ambulances in our depot.
On an average year I would be out on public duty circa 90 to 100 times providing more than 750 hrs of ambulance and first aid cover at public and sporting events as well as support to the NHS. I usually spend 1 or 2 nights per week on SJA activities such as training and management.
I am a trainer in first aid, manual handling and ambulance procedures / equipment, and I help to maintain our ambulances and equipment. I am qualified as an Emergency Ambulance Crew to FREC4 standard with additional training in the administration of Life Saving Medications. I am also a qualified emergency response driver.
I coordinate on behalf of SJA in NI with the NHS to organise crews to support hundreds of transfers of patients as well as crews for A&E support work for the NI Ambulance Service. I also manage cover for SJA at over 20 motorcycle racing events per annum, I help arrange cover for 30+ soccer matches and almost a 100 Gaelic sports events.
I have received awards, certificates and commendations for saving lives and helping the injured both on and off duty, including for gallantry.
I have led successful ambulance teams at National Training Competitions, winning on numerous occasions.”
