Dr. Brentnall was a dedicated medical practitioner and a pivotal figure in St John Ambulance Victoria, and it is with great sadness that we have to say goodbye to him. He leaves behind a remarkable legacy of service, leadership, and innovation in emergency care.

A Journey from England to Australia

Originally from England, Dr. Brentnall migrated to Australia in 1965, where he joined Box Hill & District Hospital as an Honorary Clinical Assistant in Obstetrics. It was through a friend, Dr. Peter Bush, in 1967 that he was introduced to St John Ambulance. His passion for service quickly drove him into the search and rescue operations of the organisation, where he became a respected leader and mentor.

His first appointment within St John was as a Divisional Surgeon to Waverley Cadet Division. He was a member of St John Council for Victoria for eleven years, from 1976 to 1987, and in 1978 he received his Long Service medal. Not long after, in 1980, he was appointed Deputy Commissioner. In 1981 he was promoted to the grade of Officer in the Order of St John, and in 2009 he was invested as a Knight of the Order of St John.

Championing Standards in Emergency Care

Dr. Brentnall’s influence extended far beyond his personal relationships; he was a key player in shaping medical standards in Australasia. As a commissioner, Dr. Brentnall advocated for improvements in accreditation for members, emphasising the importance of up-to-date training and standards. “His support for our accreditation initiatives made a profound impact on the organisation,” advises Allan Mawdsley, a former fellow Doctor, Honorary Secretary of the St John Museum Committee and a close friend.

Dr. Brentnall’s commitment to excellence led him to transition from general practice to becoming the full-time Director of Box Hill Hospital Emergency Department, where he advocated for specialisation within emergency departments. His vision inspired the formation of the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine, encouraging a multidisciplinary approach to emergency care that has since transformed practices across Australia. “He acknowledged that he would not have made this career shift if it hadn’t been for the experience of working with St John,” says Allan.

A Pioneer in Medicine and Volunteerism

Dr. Brentnall was not only a pioneer within St John but also in the broader field of medicine. His work significantly influenced the training standards for volunteer first aiders, ensuring that St John volunteers received the highest levels of accreditation. “When leaders like Dr. Brentnall run emergency departments while also guiding volunteer training, it naturally leads to the development of specialised areas of expertise,” notes Allan.

As the standards of advanced first aid care became enshrined in legislation, St John Ambulance Victoria formed a specialist volunteer group of Emergency Care professionals, who were willing to contribute time for public events. This group of professional healthcare practitioners is designated as the Edward Brentnall Division.

A Lasting Legacy

The impact of Dr. Brentnall’s efforts is evident today, as the training and accreditation standards he fought for continue to evolve and improve. “We are all living in changing times,” Allan remarks, “but Dr. Brentnall’s legacy lies in the changes he initiated in medical practice and emergency care.”

As we remember Dr. Brentnall, we are inspired by his dedication to improving medical standards and his commitment to serve the community which welcomed him with open arms. Allan shares a touching message for those touched by Dr. Brentnall’s legacy: “Do what you can while you can, so you can leave a meaningful impact for future generations too.”

“Dr. Brentnall was not only a mentor in St John but also a dear friend of mine. Our shared interest in the history of St John and the medical community brought us closer.” Concludes Allan.

Dr. Edward Brentnall’s contributions to St John Ambulance Victoria and the medical community are immeasurable. His spirit of service and passion for excellence will continue to inspire us as we strive to uphold the values he embodied. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.