About Us

Who we are

St John Ambulance (SJA) is the country's leading volunteer first aid and Ambulance organisation, with over 57,000 volunteers covering 4 million hours of active duty on a National basis each year. In 1989 'LINKS' the student wing of SJA was set up; with the purpose of providing existing members the opportunity to continue their work at University. However this purpose has changed significantly with the majority of LINKS members now being completely new to St John when they join.

Cambridge LINKS is no exception to this, with our volunteers trained to the highest standards and given the opportunity to go on duty both within the University and around the city. Cambridge LINKS is open to students from both Anglia University and the University of Cambridge.

Cambridge University First Aid Society (CUFAS) was set up in 1984 and predates LINKS by 5 years making it the oldest first aid society and oldest LINKS group in the country. All members of Cambridge LINKS are members of CUFAS however CUFAS is also open to members of the British Red Cross, St. Andrew's Ambulance and anyone with an interest in first aid.

Despite the two different (somewhat confusing) names the two organisations operate effectively as one.

What we do

CUFAS operates as a St John Ambulance LINKS unit whereby we provide First Aid Cover at a variety of local and National events. Events around the city include the Cambridge Corn Exchange, The Junction Nightclub, May Balls, The Cambridge Strawberry Fair and many many more. For further information view the First Aid Cover section of this website.

Members undertake varying levels of training doing as much or as little as they wish. Entry level training includes a course called Essential Care Skills which teaches the basics of life saving techniques. Students then progress to completing the First Aid At Work qualification which is a nationally recognised certificate enabling members to act as First Aiders within their workplace. Members who then wish can progress to more advanced training, including the Emergency Transport Attendant course which enables you to crew a front line ambulance. Between there are many other courses such as Life Saver Babies and Children and many more.

LINKS also has an excellent social aspect and is a great way of making new friends. Each year we have various dinners, Laser Quest and an annual punting trip, not to mention going to the pub after each meeting.