St John Ambulance Cymru support the Rugby Internationals for another year

As the 2022 Autumn Internationals fill the streets of Cardiff, with large crowds packing into Principality Stadium, the last thing on a spectator’s mind is “what happens if I fall ill?” But St John Ambulance Cymru are on hand to keep everyone as safe as possible whilst enjoying the rugby.

St John Ambulance Cymru have been proudly supporting Principality Stadium for over 20 years, keeping crowds safe at sporting events like the rugby internationals and the Six Nations, and concerts from Ed Sheeran to Coldplay. It’s not just inside the Stadium which is covered by volunteers, but also its surrounding streets.

Richard Brake, National Event Planner for the organisation, explains that because of road closures on big match days, volunteers support the Welsh Ambulance Services Trust in the surrounding areas if something goes wrong. Richard explains that the average event in Principality Stadium usually requires a team of 50-60 volunteers. These individuals give up their free time to ensure crowds have first aid support at some of Wales’ most exciting events.

For the spectators at Principality Stadium, match day may start an hour or two before kick-off, as people make their way into the city centre. For St John Ambulance Cymru volunteers, a match day starts hours before; prepping their vehicles, checking equipment and listening to a briefing on the event ahead.

The volunteers are located at 12 first aid points which are dotted around Principality Stadium, as well as the main treatment centre downstairs. The public are brought to first aid points by stewards if they feel unwell and are treated efficiently and with care. If a spectator requires first aid support on the spot, a St John Ambulance Cymru response team will head into the crowd to deliver treatment.

One individual covering the Wales v Argentina game this month explained the breadth of different incidents that they respond to: “It ranges massively, there is a cross-section of society in the building at any one time, so it’s vital we’re prepared for anything.”

Leigh Beere, the National Events Operations Manager at St John Ambulance Cymru continually walks around the Stadium as it filled up for the Wales v Argentina game, checking volunteers have what they need. She explains, “these people are giving up their free time to help out, so we want to make their experience the best it can be”.

Mark Williams, Principality Stadium Manager, says, “St John Ambulance Cymru have provided an essential service to Principality Stadium for over 20 years. We would like to offer a heartfelt thankyou to St John Ambulance Cymru and the hundreds of volunteers who offer their time and expertise at every event. They play an important part in making sure the spectator experience is a safe and enjoyable one“.

When planning a day at the rugby, needing first aid is not normally something people worry about, but St John Ambulance Cymru is there to ensure that if something does go wrong, supporters are in the best possible hands.

If you’re at the Principality Stadium and start to feel unwell, be sure to notify a steward who will alert St John Ambulance Cymru.

If you’d like to fund more of our lifesaving work, please donate at www.sjacymru.org.uk. Your donations will help to train more individuals in vital first aid skills.