England’s leading first aid charity St John Ambulance is calling on employers to recognise their role in building safer communities, with workplace first aid training increasingly being used to save lives beyond the office.

The call comes as St John Ambulance highlights the impact of employer first aid training – which doesn’t stop at the workplace. It empowers people to save lives at home, in public, and in the moments that matter most.

Lisa Sharman, Head of Education and Commercial Training at St John Ambulance, said:

“First aid doesn’t end at the office door. It’s just as likely to be needed on a school run, at the supermarket or in your own home. When we equip employees, we’re equipping communities –that’s where the real impact is made."

“This is about confidence that carries over. First aid isn’t just for high-risk jobs or factory floors: the training delivered by St John Ambulance helps employees gain confidence to act decisively under pressure."

“When people are trained in the workplace, those skills ripple out into homes, families and communities. First aid training matters everywhere, and we need all employers across England to take note."

“Whether you’re hiring labourers, carers, engineers, builders or office workers, first aid training doesn’t just prepare your employees for emergencies at work – it enables them to help others and potentially save lives, wherever they are."

“The same is true for mental health first aid. First aid care is often associated with accidents or sudden medical emergencies, but mental health today is very much a first-aid issue too, and one that’s as complex as physical health."

“Workers that are trained in first aid and mental health first aid can respond instinctively in their everyday lives, and it could make all the difference in urgent emergency situations.”

Medical experts often refer to the “golden hour” – a critical window in which rapid response can make the most difference. Evidence shows that the sooner help is given, the better the chances of survival and recovery.

In situations like road accidents, falls or cardiac arrest, immediate action is vital. Taking the right steps early – such as controlling bleeding, giving CPR or placing someone in the recovery position – can stabilise a person until more help arrives.

Mental health first aid – being able to recognise mental illness and react well when faced with it – can make a dramatic difference to workers, friends or family members suffering from discrimination, burnout, unhealthy working conditions and more.

Undergoing mental health first aid training equips people to spot hidden signs of mental health conditions both in the workplace and beyond, create safe environments for people to share what they’re going through and hold potentially life-saving conversations.

Organisations can prioritise comprehensive training for employees with a variety of courses– including First Aid at Work, Emergency First Aid at Work and Mental Health First Aid at Work.

St John Ambulance also offers a comprehensive suite of refresher and requalification courses, including e-learning modules to full courses, to help first aiders remain competent and confident throughout their three-year qualification and beyond.

In parallel, St John Ambulance is encouraging businesses to invest in trusted, environmentally conscious lifesaving supplies, including its range of defibrillators, first aid kits, training manikins and accessories.

“Access to high-quality kits and defibrillators is essential. Having the right tools on hand to act can improve outcomes and help people feel more confident,” Lisa said. “That’s why we offer trusted, sustainable products that organisations can rely on.

“We’re asking employers to think beyond ticking a box and see the bigger picture. Every course booked, every kit purchased, helps fund volunteer training and makes more lifesaving care possible in the community. It’s fuel for care, and it saves lives.”

St John Ambulance courses are among the most trusted in England, rated 4.9 out of 5 by more than 46,000 participants. Income from these services directly supports the charity’s mission – funding thousands of volunteers, public event coverage and free community training across the country.