Youth over age 16 must complete a Standard First Aid course before they can be enrolled as St John Ambulance Volunteers. However, they are encouraged to attend meetings even if they have not completed this training, so that youth leaders can help them find a course. Youth under 16 years of age are expected to obtain first aid certification within a year of enrollment, often at courses arranged especially for cadets by their leaders. Once they have completed their initial first aid training, youth members can attend public events with the help of adult members, where they perform supervised patient care. Youth receive annual first aid and CPR training from certified St. John Ambulance instructors.
Training is free of charge.
Members receive certificates to prove their level of training. Standard First Aid, level C CPR Members can always upgrade their training. Crusaders are eligible to attempt the Brigade Assessment Process, which is used to annually re-test and certify the patient care skills of adult members. In Halton Hills, Youth and Adult volunteers meet on the same night. This allows crusader members the opportunity to customize the program to suit their individual needs.