The Bermuda branch of one of the world?s oldest charities ? the St. John Ambulance Brigade ? is having a time at surviving.

The St John Ambulance Brigade vehicles and staff are such a familiar sight at public events that few ever stop to wonder how the Brigade survives in the 21 Century.

The Brigade has a long and chequered past and dates back the 11th and 12th Century, when the Knights Hospitaller of St. John of Jerusalem and the order of the Knights Templar led pilgrims to the Holy Land during the Crusades.

It was created, as we know it today, in 1877 by the Order of St John, which also founded the St. John Ophthalmic Hospital in Jerusalem five years later.

On the Island, the St. John?s Ambulance has been in existence for over 60 years and it has been an ever changing organisation said the executive director Jacqueline Browne.

But with the costs of fuel, vehicle insurance, medical supplies and First Aid and CPR books soaring ? the ever present organisation is running on almost empty. Ms Brown, who is the only paid employee, said in order to run the ambulances at sporting and entertainment events it costs $200 an hour.

She said this price does not include the cost of diesel. Many of the people who call the Brigade to use their services also either do not that they survive purely off donations and a Government grant and it needs funds in order to be present.

Ms Browne said: ?The day to day running costs of the Brigade far exceeds the grant we receive from Government.

?We have far, far greater expenses, simply because just the insurance alone for ambulances, and now that we have another, is about $11,000 for the year 2004. And that has nothing to do with diesel fuel or anything of that nature.?

Ms Brown said every time there is a major event they have to stock up on medical supplies. For instance, the Brigade purchased just over $1,000 worth of supplies for the Carifta Games alone to ensure that it was well stocked.

They also run First Aid and CPR classes to help make ends meet, but even that has proven an unprofitable venture.

?The CPR and First Aid courses, which we hold to help raise funds, are not profitable,? she said. ?The cost of the books, which are free to trainees have quadrupled in price over the last three years.?

Ms Browne said medical supplies can run into the thousands and the organisation is not having an easy time balancing the books.

The organisation had a tag day earlier this month, but they are still in the danger zone.

Ms Browne said members of the public are often commenting that members must be paid, as they see them all the time. But she wanted to make it clear the volunteers are not paid for the service they render to the public.

?Members of the public are under the impression the our volunteers are paid, but they aren?t,? she said, ?Because we are so visible at all these public events they get the impression that we do this for a living. I am the only paid member of staff.?

The Brigade does not have to attend sporting or entertainment events by law, but the organisers have to have them by law in order to operate.

But Ms Brown said many of the event organisers do not support the Brigade by giving a donation towards the costs of running the ambulances.

The Brigade is finding new ways of becoming self-sufficient and it has just received planning permission from the Planning Applications Board to extend onto the back of the property.

Ms Brown said the aim is to be able to rent out the front of the property and utilise the rear for the Brigade.

They currently rent out office space to Age Concern, another business and they are running a summer day camp to help make ends meet.

She said the Brigade is an ever changing entity and they want to remain in a position where they can help the public, but in order to continue to do this they need more volunteers and financial assistance.

*If you would like to make a donation or volunteer write to St. John?s Ambulance PO Box DV575, DVBX or ( 236-7831.