Don't let your encounter with snakes, spiders, bees, and wasps dampen your day of fun in the sun!

World Diabetes Day, marked annually on November 14, raises awareness about diabetes and its impact on individuals and communities.

Australia is graced with some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Unfortunately, the ocean is home to many creatures that may be harmful and others that can be deadly.

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.

Sudden cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death in Australia, impacting about 26,000 Australians every year, often outside of hospital settings.

Meet Monica Waterstone, a dedicated 37-year-old mother of two, who has embarked on a remarkable career journey that has taken her from managing nightclubs to becoming a Patient Transport Officer (PTO) with St John Ambulance Victoria.

Join us for a month of free training, giveaways, and more!

We are excited to share some wonderful news from our Mildura division!

The campaign gained momentum in late August with a special event in Melbourne, marking a first for St John Ambulance Victoria.

Each year, around 3000 people are bitten by snakes which is why every Australian should know how to provide snake bite First Aid.

On September 14, as the world marked World First Aid Day, a significant event took place at Eastland Shopping Centre.

St John Ambulance Victoria has joined forces with other St John entities across Australia to raise much needed funds to continue our lifesaving work.

R U OK? Day is a crucial time to reflect on the importance of mental health and how we can all contribute to a supportive community.

Giuliano's aspiration led him to St John Ambulance Victoria, being the first to complete the Certificate III Non-Emergency Patient Transport, as a result of a funding provided by Scanlon Foundation.

In a remarkable demonstration of bravery, Peter’s quick thinking and use of CPR skills have led to a life saved and a story of resilience.

Phil’s story shows just how important it is to know CPR. In emergencies, every second counts, and the difference between life and death can come down to immediate, effective action.

Last year, a family birthday party took a frightening turn that would test the spirit of everyone present.

In an extraordinary display of quick thinking and effective training, Stevie’s response during a life-threatening emergency demonstrates the critical importance of CPR skills.

Fainting can be a quite common occurrence, but nonetheless, it is concerning to see someone collapse in front of you with no warning.

In a time of crisis, knowing how to act quickly can make all the difference.

On June 5th, after lunch at Nonna’s house, Nicholas’ father George collapsed suddenly from a cardiac arrest while helping with clean-up.

Warragul resident Fletcher Van Kaathoven demonstrated extraordinary bravery by saving his father’s life during an epileptic seizure.

On Tuesday, August 20th, St John Ambulance Victoria has hosted the 2024 First Aid Champion Awards at the State Library in Melbourne.

Today, we celebrate Isaac Johns, a dedicated volunteer whose journey with St John Ambulance demonstrates the spirit of International Youth Day.

A whopping one-third of all Australia’s workforce are tradies, and worksites are no doubt a dangerous place to be employed.

We are thrilled to announce that our new strategic plan has been officially revealed. This is a pivotal step towards enhancing our impact across the community. Designed with a clear mission to lead Victoria in first aid and medical responses, our plan aims to save an additional 500 lives annually, train 300,000 Victorians each year, and serve 15 million community members.

We are delighted to share some more exciting news: St John Ambulance Victoria has started a partnership for purpose with Variety the Children’s Charity!

Thanks to the incredible support of our community, we have as of July successfully installed 28 life-saving defibrillators throughout Sunshine.

St John Ambulance Victoria is excited to unveil a new campaign designed to transform how we think about first aid, especially at home. Developed in collaboration with Melbourne-based creative agency, Town Square, our new initiative, "If It Happens at Home," invites you to explore a virtual home like no other.

Around 1.7 million Australians have diabetes, this includes all types of diagnosed diabetes (1.2 million known and registered) as well as silent, undiagnosed type 2 diabetes (approximately 500,000). Currently, 300 Australians develop diabetes every day. That is one person every 5 minutes.

Until it happens to us or someone we love, most of us don’t know the difference between a heart attack and a sudden cardiac arrest. Many assume that "heart attack" and "sudden cardiac arrest" are interchangeable terms.

About 30,000 Australians experience sudden cardiac arrest out of hospital each year, and between 5-10 per cent survive without immediate CPR and defibrillation, on average. But legislation has not kept pace with the statistics to keep the public safe.

As with any other sporting event, among the thrill of competition and the friendship of participants lies our concern for the safety and care of athletes and patrons. The Beechworth Gravelista, renowned for its challenging terrain and vibrant atmosphere, recently saw an incident that highlighted the importance of medical support teams, delivered on the day by St John Ambulance Victoria volunteers.

St John Ambulance Victoria recently hosted an engaging and informative Non-Patient Transport (NEPT) Courses and Careers Open Night, aimed at inspiring attendees to pursue NEPT training with St John and embark on a rewarding career in the industry.

With 62,000 children under 14 hospitalised each year (AIHW, 2022), ensuring parents are first aid trained and ready to respond is vital in saving lives and reducing long-term complications for the next generation. St John Ambulance Victoria believes all parents should be given the opportunity to learn first aid for babies and children.

In early February, the dream of attending a long-waited concert almost turned into a nightmare for 13-year-old Tilly Farrell, a Year 8 student eagerly anticipating the event since securing tickets in October 2022. Just before the concert began, Tilly experienced a sudden drop in blood pressure, causing concern to her mum who was also in attendance.

As we end the celebrations of National Volunteer Week, we are proud to highlight a volunteer who embodies both youthful enthusiasm and profound expertise. Meet Harriet Waymark, a model of compassion and skill, whose journey as a Volunteer First Responder has been nothing short of inspiring.

Among the pursuit of scientific knowledge and the hustle of daily life, there exists an inspiration of selflessness and compassion named Josephine Younan. Born in Sweden, raised with Iraqi heritage, and now a proud resident of Australia for a decade, Josephine embodies the blend of cultures and the spirit of global citizenship.

Meet Matthew Girdler, a dedicated volunteer at St John Ambulance whose journey demonstrates the transformative power of community engagement and professional growth. Two years ago, Matthew embarked on his volunteer journey with St John, at the Ballarat Division. He was drawn to St John by the attraction of expanding his first aid skills and gaining hands-on experience in emergency care.

The beginning of 2024 has brought a burst of activity to several of our divisions here at St John Ambulance Victoria.

Earlier this year, Victoria experienced an unexpected late surge of summer, with temperatures soaring close to 40 degrees in late February and early March. During this challenging period, our dedicated volunteers demonstrated exceptional commitment by stepping forward to provide vital first aid assistance at the relief centre in Wendouree.

On April 25th, as the dawn broke across Victoria, communities gathered to commemorate ANZAC Day, a day of remembrance and reflection. At the heart of these solemn ceremonies stood our dedicated volunteers, offering their support to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all who attended.

St John Ambulance Victoria is thrilled to extend its Defib in Your Street Program to the vibrant suburb of Sunshine. This marks our third expansion as part of our commitment to enhancing cardiac arrest survival rates across Victoria, and to create a heart-safe state where every resident has the best chance of surviving sudden cardiac arrest. As we look to the future, our goals are bold, our vision clear.

In the busy day to day life at St John Ambulance, between hundreds of events to be covered, rosters to be fulfilled, volunteers to be recruited, patients to be transported, and courses to be delivered, there's a quiet force, who work behind the scenes, to make it all possible.  Vinay Nair is one of those who is part of this amazing team. As a mental health training advisor, Vinay uses the transformative power of personal experiences to reshape the contours of mental health training. 

For countless years, we have stood shoulder to shoulder with the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal & Kids’ Day Out, a cherished Melbourne tradition that warms hearts and brings families together. As Melbourne’s favourite Family Day, this event is more than just a fundraiser - it’s a day of joy, laughter, and hope for families, all while raising critical funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital to provide world-class care for children in need.

The small Portland and Warrnambool teams are seeking passionate individuals, like Daniel Willis, eager to join them and make a real difference. Daniel is a dedicated student of Medicine at Deakin University, who represents the organisation’s passion for community service.

In collaboration with Maroondah City Council and esteemed member Mr. Nick McGowan, we were pleased to install a life-saving defibrillator at the Heathmont Lakkari Guides Hall. Accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to any member of the community in an emergency, it’s the first of its kind in the Ringwood area.

Among the small team of 20 passionate volunteers at the Darebin Division is Chai Foreman-Sim, an incredible young member who has been a volunteer with St John since 2012, initially joining the Bayside Division as a youth member. Over the years, Chai has held various roles within the organisation, showcasing his versatility and dedication.

St John Ambulance, a trusted name in first aid and medical services, continues to shine as a beacon of compassion and expertise. According to a recent survey conducted by RepTrak, which measures the reputation of Australia’s largest charities, St John Ambulance stands tall as one of the most reputable charitable organisations in the country.

Last Friday, the 26th of January, Australia Day, marked a momentous occasion for St John Ambulance as we proudly watched some of our dedicated volunteers being honored for the invaluable services they selflessly provide to local communities. This day, synonymous with celebrating the spirit of the nation, turned into a platform to honor our heroes who make a significant difference through their commitment to saving lives.

As the year draws to a close, St John Ambulance Victoria takes immense pride in looking back on the remarkable journey we've undertaken alongside our dedicated team, cherished customers and diverse community. 2023 has been a testament to our unwavering commitment to providing exceptional patient care, fostering innovation, and extending our reach to serve more communities than ever before.

Have you ever wondered what's involved for an Event Health Service's team at a major sporting event? Check out how we do it.

CREATING SAFER COMMUNITIES RESTART A HEART DAY October 16th 2023

Gather your friends and family – here are some fun and rewarding things you can do with St John Ambulance Victoria throughout Shocktober 2023.

As we approach the warmer months, it's important to remember that heat-induced illnesses can happen to anyone. Here's what to do.

Until it happens to us or someone we love, most of us don’t know the difference between a heart attack and a sudden cardiac arrest - many assume that they are the same thing.

Despite being a newly recruited volunteer, Riley’s incredible display of courage and skill resulted in a life saved.

Removing barriers to first aid knowledge

A devoted brother and skilled first aider, Lachlan jumps to his big sister’s rescue whenever she experiences a tonic-clonic seizure. Each time, despite the traumatic scene, Lachlan remains calm as he administers first aid.

It was an ordinary Saturday at home for 9-year-old Ellora and her dad, Frank when the unexpected happened. Frank began to feel his face heat up and his tongue swelling. Within minutes, Frank was unconscious on the bathroom floor. Thankfully, Ellora came to the rescue.

Nearly everyone will experience an open wound at some point in their life. Most open wounds are minor and can be treated at home - read on to learn how.

Overdoses, either accidental or deliberate, can happen to anyone at any time. Seeing someone in the grips of an overdose can be a scary and confronting experience, not knowing what they’ve taken, why and how much can cause panic. Here's what you can do.

When the unexpected struck during a 200-metre race, Barry's instincts kicked in, and his heart-pounding race against time began. Hear from Barry, his student Lincoln, and mum Tash as they recount the events that unfolded on that fateful day.

Brad is no stranger to saving lives. His most recent effort involved a young person who was in cardiac arrest, just 100 meters from where Brad lives. Read about his incredible story to learn why Brad was named CPR Champion at the 2023 First Aid Champion Awards.

Partners Hoai Nguyen and Jean Russel Dany Mariette had recently attended an Accredited CPR Training as part of our Defib In Your Street free community program. Little did they know that they'd be using their skills so soon.

The statistics around tradie mental health are alarming, with studies showing Australian construction workers are 70% more likely to take their own lives than employees in other industries.

1 in 5 Australians (over the age of 45) experience chronic pain, and GPs have seen a 67% rise in patients with chronic pain since 2010. In conjunction with National Pain Week, here are some common types of pain and what you can do to relieve these aches.

Victorians are some of the least confident first aiders in the country, with less than half (44%) of Victorians feeling confident to provide first aid in an emergency. The state also ranked second-lowest in terms first aid training recency.

In Australia, allergies are very common. Currently around one in three people will develop allergies at some time during their life. It is estimated that up to 2% of adults, 1 in 10 babies and 6% of children have a food allergy and some of them will experience a life-threatening allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).

Hypothermia is a condition that is triggered when the body’s warming abilities fail or are overwhelmed. As the days get colder, arm yourself with these useful tips to keep you and your loved ones warm and safe this winter.

Explore these actionable steps to prevent burnout and foster better mental health, as well as a more sustainable and fulfilling work experience.

On 24 June 2023, St John Ambulance Australia celebrates a remarkable milestone: 140 years of dedicated service to the nation. Let's take a look back at the journey thus far.

Here are some valuable First Aid tips to ensure the safety and well-being of children this winter school holidays.

Are you a parent or guardian of a teenager and stuck for activity ideas this school holidays? Spend time together while gaining skills that could save a life!

Despite the challenges of COVID-19 upon our operations, we successfully transported close to 70,000 people and recruited over 40 new staff in our Transport Services department.

Apart from offering First Aid training and Event Health Services, St John Ambulance Victoria is also a leading provider of First Aid products. Here's what was achieved in 2022.

Each year approximately 50,000 burns related hospital admissions occur in Australia – over 1,000 of these are children in Victoria, with children aged 0-4 years at greatest risk. When you think of burn and scald injuries, most likely the first thing that comes to mind is sunburn, however this is just one of the many types of injuries that occur.

In 2022, St John Vic achieved significant milestones in our training programs, with the most ever students trained in our history.

Our free community programs help increase the resilience of at-risk Victorian communities, including schoolchildren and residents in suburbs with some of the highest cardiac arrest rates in Victoria.

In 2022, nearly 900 volunteers served over 7 million people across Victoria, providing first aid support at events and festivals across the state over 2,700 event days. Read on to learn all about the impressive feats our volunteers achieved.a

Are you one of nine Australians who suffer from Asthma? Or do you have a close friend, family member or colleague who suffers from the common chronic condition? Chances are that if you don’t suffer from asthma you’re likely to know someone who does.

The annual flu season in Australia typically runs from June to September. This can be a challenging time for many people as the flu is highly contagious and can cause severe illness. Fortunately, there are several ways to help prevent the spread of the flu and protect yourself and your loved ones during this sniffly season.

Hikes through thick forestry, off-road camping, and offshore fishing trips are part of Australia’s beloved outdoor culture. But every outdoor adventure, no matter how often you’ve done it before, should always begin with the preparation for a remote First Aid emergency.

Autumn is a beautiful season, with its crisp air and colourful foliage. However, it also brings a unique set of challenges: slips, trips, and falls are one of the primary causes of injury in autumn in Australia. Here’s how you can keep yourself and your family safe as we enter the cooler months.

Epilepsy is a common condition in our community and can develop at any age regardless of gender or ethnic group. Research suggests that 1 in 25 Australians will be diagnosed with epilepsy at some point in their life.

St John Ambulance Victoria has a new addition to the family in Seniors Community Care – a provider of in-home care services to disabled, frail and aged persons

The First Aid Champion Awards is a yearly celebration of everyday Victorians who have made an impact on someone's life using First Aid. Here are the unsung heroes awarded for their inspiring acts in rendering assistance and saving lives.

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in sudden cardiac rates in Victoria, with 2022 numbers hitting the highest in history.

St John Ambulance Victoria has moved into its largest ever facility and new headquarters at 601 Blackburn Road, Notting Hill, merging 5 facilities into one central location.

Mental Health – it’s a term that’s quite often flung around in the media, in social settings and at the workplace, but what does it mean?

Do you play sport or live an active lifestyle? Does your job require you to perform labour-intensive and repetitive tasks? Do you work outside or in an accident prone environment? If you answered yes, then you’re at risk of suffering from or witnessing a fracture.

When it comes to first aid, head injuries are one of the most serious and challenging concerns to treat. Unless you see clearly visible bleeding or open wounds to the head, the brain may have sustained significant life threatening injuries.

Sandra spent 13 years as a Senior Detective with the Victorian Police. She also competed as a bodybuilder for over 25 years, representing Australia, with more than 22 First Place titles. Today, she is a Certificate III In Individual Support (Ageing, Home and Community) trainer at St John. This is her inspiring journey.

Thanks to your support, we were able to serve the Victorian community in more ways than ever before. Here's a look at 2022.

The silly season has officially arrived which means an abundance of workplace celebrations, family merriments and friendship festivities are upon us.

Owning a defib is always a good idea - but have you properly prepared your defib for effective use? In an emergency, the last thing you want is a defib that is inaccessible, or not functioning. Here's what you need to do as a defib owner.

Each year in Victoria, around 250 are killed, and a further 8,000 are seriously injured by road accidents. These numbers can be drastically reduced if more bystanders knew what to do at the site of a crash.

It’s kick-off time! Sporting teams across the state are kicking off their sporting season, which means players are hitting the ground harder, faster and with more intensity than ever in a bid to position themselves as a leading contender.

90 St John volunteers were deployed to 5 flood relief centres and the Emergency Command Centre, dedicating a total of 332 shifts.

In Australia, workplace fatalities reach their peak in November and December, with almost 25% of deaths occurring in these two months. We’ve put together these tips on injury prevention in the workplace.

Almost half of Australians feel they don’t have the skills to approach situations involving mental health. To help you, here are some pointers to practice when supporting someone experiencing a mental health crisis.

Gather your friends and family – here are some fun and rewarding things you can do with St John Ambulance Victoria throughout Shocktober 2022!

When we think of a major wound, we typically envision a catastrophic event such as a serious road collision, an explosion or a violent confrontation - but major wounds can occur anywhere from the workplace, to the home right, through to a family day out. Here's what to do.

A whopping one-third of all Australia’s workforce are tradies. That’s an impressive number, especially when you consider that many of them are running one of two million small businesses across the country. Sadly, they also represent 58% of workplace injuries and 190 serious claims each day, a figure much higher than it should be. Worksites are no doubt a dangerous place to be employed.

Are you looking to join a first aid course? Perhaps you’re hesitant because you don't know what to expect. Here’s how it went for a first-time "Provide First Aid" attendee.

Today we embarked on a new dimension of our caring journey by launching the CHC33015 Certificate III In Individual Support (Ageing, Home and Community). A course for caring, special people who wish to work in an aged care setting or in-home care.

We are now officially 2 months into the Defib in Your Street program in Reservoir and have been overwhelmed by the support from the community.

Retirement of Ms Virginia Bourke OStJ as Chair and Director of St John Ambulance Victoria and appointment of Mr Mark Engel MStJ as Chair of St John Ambulance Victoria

Sprains and strains can happen to people of all ages, in a range of different environments and under a variety of circumstances. Sometimes even when you do your best to avoid them, sprains and strains still occur.

For Victorians, summer means plenty of outdoor activities making the most of the sunshine, warm weather and still days. With a variety of landscapes and adventures to be had people spend their days hiking the hillside, cycling the bike-friendly terrain, sailing the seas and playing a range of summer sports.

There are few downfalls of an Australian summer, but the fierceness of our bushfires is certainly one of them. As a precautionary measure it’s important all Aussies know how to provide First Aid for smoke inhalation to fight the number of lives lost in the case of a tragic bush or house fire.

You may have seen our volunteers at events, our Non-Emergency Patient Transport vehicles on the roads, been to a first aid training class or have one of our kits at work or in your car. During many times in your life, St John will pop up when you least expect to help you out of a dangerous or even life-threatening situation.

Everyone agrees employees should go to work knowing they are in a safe and healthy environment, free from physical and psychological harm. No employee should ever go to work thinking they are unsafe, at serious risk of death or injury or unsupported.

For Shocktober, we’re doing something special to drive awareness of your nearest defibrillator locations and provide more defibrillators in the Victorian community – hopefully one near you!

On 29 September each year, Blue Ribbon Day provides the opportunity for the community to say thank you to those who protect and serve our community and ensure that those who have fallen are never forgotten.

The human eye is one of the most delicate and complex organs in the body. The location and sensitivity leave the eyes vulnerable to irritation and injury so it’s important that extreme caution is taken to avoid contact with any possible hazards.

We’re thrilled to launch our newest fundraising initiative, the St John Charity Lottery. The St John Charity Lottery aims to provide vital funds to continue our lifesaving service in the community. By purchasing a ticket, you will support Victorians through emergencies, disasters and sickness.

At a concert with her daughters, Naomi was suffering from a severe headache. She went to St John Ambulance to ask for help. Our team performed a thorough check-up and suspected Naomi actually had meningitis—which is deadly if it isn’t treated quickly.

Providing immediate and effective first aid in the workplace to people who have been injured or become ill, may reduce the severity of the injury or illness, and promote recovery. In some instances, it could mean the difference between life and death.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, St John organisations worldwide have continued to provide vital support to struggling communities. As a global organisation, we affect the lives of millions of people each and every day.

It's true, sudden cardiac arrest continues to be one of the leading causes of death in Australia, with more than 30,000 cases occurring across the nation each year. Sadly, the death rate still stands at over 90% - an incredibly high figure.

After 27 years working in Business Development (BD), in early 2020, Andrea Bridge felt the very real economic ramifications of COVID-19 and lost her job. We recently sat down with Andrea and asked a few questions about her experience doing St John’s TAE Course.

When it comes to saving a life during a cardiac arrest every minute counts. If a Defibrillator is available it is vital that it can be used reliably and quickly by the user. Research shows survival rates of up to 70% can be achieved if an AED is on hand.

Summer is an exciting and happy time for families; it involves more family fun days filled with sports, outdoor and social activities. One of the most loved summer pastimes for families is an afternoon spent at the pool, beach or river.

As we near the end of 2020 we reflect on the year that was and the unique, difficult challenges that we have all encountered.

For over 60+ years St John Ambulance Victoria has had the pleasure of providing first aid services at Festival Hall, providing medical assistance to hundreds of thousands of patrons during this time.

Ryman Healthcare construction worker Dennis has saved his toddler son’s life by utilising the skills he recently learnt completing a St John Ambulance First Aid Course.

Each year, St John Ambulance Victoria awards youth and adult volunteers across various categories to acknowledge their outstanding service to the community and to St John.

We’re pleased to announce St John Ambulance Victoria has partnered with Vicinity Centres to help Victorian shopping centres reopen safely for visitors.

Pre-COVID, one in five Australians were reported to be affected by mental illness annually, and due to the pandemic, this unfortunately has risen to 4 in every 5 Australians suffering from poorer mental health. So, what can we do to help this crisis? How can we assist those who are experiencing poor mental health?

We're thrilled to announce not just 1 but 2 wins for St John Ambulance Victoria in the Australian Business Awards 2020 for our first aid training...

When it comes to Out-of-Hospital Sudden Cardiac Arrest (OHCA), defibrillation is one of the key factors in the Chain of Survival (actions that when properly executed, reduce the mortality associated with sudden cardiac arrest). But in the event of an emergency, how do you locate the nearest defibrillator?

St John Ambulance Victoria is now making it easier than ever before to learn potentially lifesaving skills, with our new 100% online First Aid Training Course – enabling you to learn essential First Aid skills from the comfort of your own home.

Throughout the pandemic, we have pivoted as an organisation in several unique ways to support the health response. Thanks to the immense amount of experience and skill within our 570+ staff members, we have been able to redeploy our people to offer further assistance to the Victorian response.

Through a new Victorian Government Wellbeing initiative, Victorian businesses doing it tough will receive more help in dealing with the stress and emotional impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hand hygiene is a term we’re all very familiar with - we know washing and sanitising our hands frequently is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of infections. But what we may not know, is what exactly we’re washing and sanitising our hands with. Do you know the ingredients in the products you’re using?

At St John Ambulance Victoria the backbone of our charitable organisation is our volunteers, and this has been the case since 1883. For well over one hundred years our volunteers have been saving lives and delivering care and compassion to those in sickness, suffering and distress throughout Victoria. Our growing volunteer base of more than 2,200 volunteers consists of everyone from first aiders through to health professionals including, Doctors, Nurses and Paramedics who are ready to serve the community.

Traditionally personal protective equipment (PPE) is used by healthcare workers, however, in recent times we’ve seen a significant increase of the general public using such equipment. With the increase of PPE usage across the globe, it’s important people are aware of how to wear equipment correctly – because if worn incorrectly it may defeat the purpose of wearing it.

We're back in the classroom following COVID-19 restrictions. But training won't be the same as you remember it. Find out what's changed.

If we do in fact have another bad flu season, we could potentially have more spikes in COVID-19 cases. As COVID-19 and the influenza strains are 2 different viruses, it is possible to contract both at the same time. A very unlucky, but preventable, scenario.

Workplaces are now making plans for the return of their staff and customers. Naturally, employers or safety managers will be working on implementing infection control measures to reduce risks and ensure staff feel safe returning to work. We've created a handy guide to follow

During this time of the COVID-19 pandemic, St John Ambulance Victoria is well prepared throughout our Non-Emergency Patient Transport and Volunteer operations to provide additional support to the Victorian community. Click through for an infographic about our extensive vehicle, staff, volunteer, training, equipment and infrastructure capabilities.

As social restrictions become tighter to help reduce the spread of COVID-19, this can have severe impacts on our mental health. A lack of social connectedness can leave people feeling lonely and create a state of panic, resulting in being unable to perform normal tasks such as working, taking care of themselves or others....

The spread of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) is evolving rapidly and is a source of great concern to all of us. We have taken some steps during this difficult time in response to the crisis.

We are there for those in sickness, distress, suffering and danger. Right now, we are looking for urgent help to support us in delivering this mission.

Coughing, breathing, touching and bodily fluids can all spread viruses like COVID-19 rapidly. Find out how to reduce the spread.

A sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) can occur to anyone at any time and often has no warning signs. We've dissected the latest data on the 6,519 cases in Victoria in 2018/19 for you.

Thank you to everyone who supported the goals we had for the community this year - customers, donors, partners and to our wonderful volunteers - you made all this possible. Merry Christmas, stay safe and look after each other over the festive season! If you'd like to support us to achieve even more in 2020, please donate to our programs via: http://stjohnvic.org/7e5d9

CPR is shown in movies often and most of the time, it shows an unrealistic miracle in incorrect first aid techniques. Currently, only 1 in 10 Australians survive cardiac arrests but this statistic can be reduced by having more people provide CPR in a timely manner.

Over 1 million students from early learning centres right through to Year 6 have been trained in lifesaving First Aid skills since the inception of St John’s free First Aid in Schools program.

73% of Australians say that it’s as important to learn first aid as it is to swim. Just like how you cannot predict rip currents in the ocean, accidents can happen at any time. But unlike rip currents, even basic first aid can save a life.

First Aiders in the workplace, although vitally important, can often go unnoticed until their skills are needed in an emergency situation. They are the reliable, calm presence that reassures everyone they will be ok regardless of what happens.

Many dangerous substances can be found in every Australian home. These range from the obvious such as bleach and other heavy-duty cleaning products, to the less obvious such as windscreen washer fluid and air fresheners.

Whether it’s a stranger, a colleague or a loved one facing an emergency medical situation, it can be a highly stressful and traumatic event. While you may think you know what to do in these scenarios, a sudden medical emergency may leave you feeling overwhelmed.

As recent events have shown us, asthma attacks can strike fast and to a widespread range of individuals. Even those who have never been affected before could develop asthma over their lives and experience a sudden onset for the very first time during an extreme weather condition.

Every year, there are more than 55,000 strokes in Australia. Shockingly, it kills more women than breast cancer and more men than prostate cancer. Knowing the right steps to take for stroke, First Aid is critical if we want to reverse this worrying trend.

On Monday 1 July, we proudly commenced our expanded Non-Emergency Patient Transport (NEPT) service. In order to service the new NEPT contract with Ambulance Victoria we opened four brand new branches in Ballarat, Geelong, West Melbourne and Keilor East and put 44 new Volkswagen Crafter vehicles on the road...

St John Ambulance Victoria recently announced this year’s winners of our prestigious First Aid Champion Awards highlighting the significant need of First Aid training in the community. The First Aid Champion Awards provides a unique opportunity for Victorians to honour unsung heroes – whether they be colleagues, classmates, friends or family –

Earlier this year, one of our very own volunteers, Milê Glamcevski, embarked on an expedition of a lifetime and headed to Cambodia to teach vital lifesaving first aid. Milê Glamcevski has been a Victorian St John Volunteer for almost four years, and throughout this time has dedicated countless hours to the community.

When your child is diagnosed with a health condition it can be a very scary and overwhelming experience. Whether it’s a common illness or a rare disease the stress of the unknown and the ‘what if’ is a common spiral parents find themselves slipping into.

In Australia sport is such an important part of our culture, it’s ingrained in our DNA which is why Australia has been labelled as the sport-obsessed country. Whether it be playing backyard cricket at a BBQ during the summer, heading down to the local footy club on the weekend to watch a mate...

Over 6400 people suffered a cardiac arrest in 2018 in Victoria alone, but only 40% received CPR from a bystander – a figure St John is hoping to improve to 90% over the next 5 years. Cardiac arrest can happen anywhere, anytime and to people of all ages, backgrounds and health status.

It’s true that more and more businesses are recognising the importance of Defibrillators in the workplace. Imagine a colleague collapsed on the floor, not breathing, the seconds counting down while their brain is starved of oxygen and you standing there watching it all unfold and unable to help.

The Road Toll is a serious topic that needs to be discussed and brought to wider attention. This year, we’ve already seen 41 lives lost on the roads in Victoria – a number that is unquestionably high!

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) remains the leading cause of death worldwide. To put it simply, cardiac arrest is a sudden loss of blood flow resulting from the failure of the heart to effectively pump. Fortunately, if we all work together, there are ways to increase the cardiac arrest survival rates.

Summer is always a great time for everyone to enjoy the outdoors, there’s no pastime in summer that beats getting in the water and cooling off. Unfortunately, every year we forget the dangers of the water.

So, you’re considering completing a First Aid course, but you’re overwhelmed by the options available? One of the most common questions people ask themselves when researching courses is ‘what is the difference between a one and two-day course?’

Cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death in Australia. Currently only 1 in 10 Australians survive the health emergency, but we know these statistics can be dramatically reduced if sufferers receive cardiac arrest First Aid in the first moments.

Research continues to reveal the alarming prevalence of poor mental health across our nation so the age-old question is how are workplaces contributing to this and what are they doing to counteract it?

When a friend lost consciousness at a local party, Kirra Walker could not have been more thankful that she had just completed her First Aid training. But the Good Samaritan did not stop there, her skills were called upon three more times in the following days, making her the quintessential candidate...

When Dianne Swinton’s husband returned from his daily bike ride he was not himself and within moments he suffered a Sudden Cardiac Arrest. Dianne immediately jumped into action, called triple zero and provided CPR until emergency services arrived.

Local Romsey resident Kirra Walker put her First Aid training straight to work providing First Aid four times in the space of one week since completing the course. The local hero has been acknowledged for her efforts through a nomination to be awarded...

After a local committee decided to buy a Defibrillator for the community of Rushworth locals are all invited to attend a free training session with St John Ambulance Victoria on how to use the life-saving device.

As parents, naturally we constantly dote on our newborn and become consumed by their every move. We observe every little change in behaviour, emotion and physical state, so when something out of the ordinary occurs we tend to become panicked and overwhelmed with worry.

Whether you find a person lying outside their car after a major collision or your hiking partner falls off the edge of the cliff onto a lower ledge, or you’ve stumbled across someone that’s unconscious but you’re not sure why, if it’s safe for you and the casualty always provide First Aid to them..

St John Ambulance Victoria is calling for nominations for its inaugural First Aid Champion Awards. The non-profit hopes to award people in the following categories: Junior (under 12), Youth (under 18), School, Community and Workplace. You can read more about the awards in the Stawell Times.

Almost 2,500 Australian children are admitted to hospital each year due to poisoning. Worryingly, it was common household products that were the most prevalent causes of poisoning among kids.

Teenage angst is a given for almost all adolescents and understandably so with the influx of hormones, social pressures and overall life changes throughout this time. But, sometimes we get caught up in labelling warning signs of poor mental health as normal teenage behaviour...

Ambulance Victoria has launched the life-saving GoodSAM app in Victoria with the support of fellow emergency services Life Saving Victoria, Country Fire Authority, Chevra Hatzolah and of course, St John Ambulance Victoria. The smartphone app is a progressive example of how technology connects our community and plays an integral role in strengthening resilience.

Ambulance Victoria recently launched GoodSAM across the state in partnership with St John Ambulance Victoria and other emergency services. The progressive app is available for First Aid Responders, Doctors, Nurses and other qualified health professionals to sign up to be alerted if someone in their area suffers a cardiac arrest.

Our research has found that only 3 in 10 (30%) workers are aware of a defibrillator in their workplace. Considering the population spends the majority of their time at work this is a major concern as the likelihood of an incident occurring during these hours is significantly high.

In 1992 Allie Ford made a decision to devote her free time to aiding her community with St John. As a teen, the commitment to participating in such a selfless pastime was motivated by friendships she had fostered, she was completely unaware how instrumental this decision would be to becoming the woman she is today.

People pursue a life of volunteering with St John for so many varying reasons, but the one motive that connects them all is that they do it because they care. There is a fire, igniting their passion to do good in the community and to help those that are in need.

Cobram Anglican Grammar School has made a life-saving addition to their onsite First Aid kit and equipment, with the purchase of an Automated External Defibrillator. Students, staff and visitors can now be assured they are in the best possible hands if a Sudden Cardiac Arrest did arise at the school.

Dandenong resident Allie Ford has been a volunteer with St John Ambulance for more than 25 years. The good samaritan devotes her time to providing First Aid to the public to boost reassurance of safety in families and individuals on a fun day out in the community.

St John Ambulance Victoria recently called for Defibrillators in the workplace to become mandatory after research revealed low awareness for the life-saving devices across the state. The non-profit organisation gifted five businesses throughout Victoria with a Defibrillator, boosting accessibility to Defibrillators for all Victorians if a Sudden Cardiac Arrest did occur.

Food allergies are a growing concern in today’s society, with more and more people being born with the problem or developing a food allergy over time. Currently, one in 10 infants and two in 100 adults suffer from food allergies in Australia.

Experts are predicting yet another significantly bad flu season in 2018, in a bid to offset this issue St John Ambulance VIC is offering the public flu vaccinations.

After a severe flu season impacted a huge percentage of Victorians in 2017, St John Ambulance Victoria is offering flu vaccinations to the public in a bid to combat another predictably severe flu season.

Bethany Community Support was one of five businesses across the state that was gifted with a Defibrillator from St John Ambulance Victoria as part of a recent campaign to make Defbrillators mandatory in the workplace.

St John Ambulance (VIC) is calling for mandatory Defibrillators in the workplace, as new research reveals a worryingly low awareness amongst Victorians of this life-saving device in the workplace. The research, commissioned by St John Ambulance (VIC) shows only three in ten Victorian workers are aware of a Defibrillator in the workplace.

St John Ambulance Victoria is calling for action to be made by demanding Defibrillators to be compulsory for businesses across the state. Read more below in this article by the Herald Sun.

In celebration of heart week, St John Ambulance (VIC) gifted Halls Gap Zoo a Defibrillator in a bid to raise awareness of the life-saving devices.

Research commissioned by St John Ambulance (VIC) revealed that just three in 10 Victorian workers were aware of a Defibrillator in their workplace. The worrying statistic prompted the organisation to giveaway five life-saving machines to deserving businesses across the state.

A recent study conducted by St John Ambulance (VIC) revealed that 85 per cent of Victorians have experienced some level of flu symptoms in the past 12 months and 29 per cent have taken two or more days off to cope with their symptoms.

A nose bleed is something most of us encounter at least a few times a year. Often unexpected and inconvenient, understandably we want them to end as soon as possible. Whether it’s a child, another adult or ourselves, the distress of having blood gushing out of your nose is unpleasant...

St John Ambulance (VIC) recently partnered with the Heart Foundation and Ambulance Victoria as part of the Heart Safe Community Initiative, by visiting local businesses in Tatura with our CPR Lab community program.

St John Ambulance (VIC) visited Shepparton Maude St Mall on Wednesday 18th April as part of the 2018 CPR Lab Rural Roadshow. Professional trainers provided locals the opportunity to learn real life-saving skills with 10 minute CPR lessons using the state of the art QCPR technology...

St John Ambulance (VIC) CPR Lab made its second stop on the 2018 Rural Roadshow, visiting Shepparton Maude St Mall on Wednesday 18th April 2018. If you’re interested in the CPR Lab visiting your town in regional Victoria, send your enquiries here.

When you’re completing any type of training, whether it be First Aid training or another sort of workplace course, you depend on knowing you’re dealing with a reputable RTO training organisation that will deliver more than just a piece of paper.

CPR Lab recently visited Warrnambool as part of the annual CFA Games which consists of junior volunteers applying their skills and competing against other divisions from around the state. See more in this article by the Warrnambool Standard.

This World Health Day the World Health Organisation is again asking countries around the globe to commit to the longevity of their residents and to do what they can to ensure everyone has access to the health services they need.

Cobram Anglican Grammar School are now ready to save a life if a Sudden Cardiac Arrest ever occurs on their premises. The conscientious decision to purchase a Defibrillator with St John Ambulance (VIC) will ensure students, teachers and visitors are in the safest possible place if a Sudden Cardiac Arrest strikes.

Miners Rest brothers, Connor (8) and Sam (10), have been hailed as Mums two little guardian angels after a sudden health emergency in the home called for First Aid. Mother, Sarah Algie’s, health took an unexpected turn for the worse one morning before school and caused her to lapse into unconsciousness.

March has been labelled Epilepsy Awareness Month thanks to Epilepsy Australia’s initiative to reduce stigma and discrimination of epilepsy around the nation. According to Epilepsy Action Australia approximately 3% – 3.5% of Australians will experience epilepsy throughout their lives which means a minimum of 723,900 Australians are directly affected by the condition.

Shepparton mother, Raequel Barton, suffered a Sudden Cardiac Arrest whilst watching her daughters play netball for their local club. Luckily a St John Ambulance (Victoria) Trainer is an avid supporter of the team and was just metres away when the incident occurred.

Golden Beach Surf Life Saving Club receives Defibrillator training from St John Ambulance (Victoria) after the recent installation of the life-saving device. See more in the article below from the Gippsland Times and Maffra Spectator.

Ken McDouggal, a long-term St John Ambulance (Victoria) volunteer, was recently named Mount Alexander Senior Citizen of the year. After completing a First Aid course with St John, Ken was prompted to commence a 50 year journey volunteering with the heritage brand.

Have you ever been sweeping the kitchen, raking leaves or chopping wood and with a sudden movement, you feel the uncomfortable jab of an unwanted splinter?

In a bid to bridge the gap and strengthen community resilience, St John Ambulance (VIC) has partnered with Chadstone and will be providing free CPR lessons to the public over a ten day period, commencing Monday 12th March 2018.

A recent study commissioned by St John Ambulance (Victoria) revealed that less than 20 per cent of Victorians are confident to respond in a First Aid emergency.

Primary School Students at Sirius College, Shepparton, recently learnt how to identify danger, apply a bandage and provide CPR at a St John VIC First Aid in Schools visit.

Carlton Vice-Captain Kade Simpson is leading the campaign with St John Ambulance (Victoria) to have more members of the public First Aid trained. See more in the article below from the Gippsland Times and Maffra Spectator.

Local students were one step closer to becoming real-life superheroes when St John Ambulance brought its first aid program to St Joseph’s Primary School recently. Delivered by professional trainers, the program focused on providing the foundational tools to prepare children to respond in a health emergency.

If you were ever confronted by an unresponsive, unconscious person would you know what to do? Most people know to then check for signs of life (checking for a response and if the casualty is breathing). But, what if the casualty doesn’t seem to be breathing or is intermittently gasping for air?

Appin Park Primary School students received aged appropriate First Aid lessons thanks to a visit from the St John Ambulance Victoria First Aid in Schools Program.

The children at St Alipus Parish Primary School thoroughly enjoyed their St John Ambulance VIC First Aid in Schools visit, with the bandaging application a leading highlight amongst students.

St John Ambulance Victoria launches CPR Lab 2018 Rural Roadshow, first stop Warrnambool. St John Ambulance (VIC) CPR Lab is a community program focused on strengthening community resilience through interactive and innovative CPR lessons, providing the public with the confidence and skills to save a life in an emergency.

Members of the public are often curious about St John Ambulance and what happens behind the scenes. We’re opening up the curtain and sharing more about the life saving equipment, people and procedures that spring into action each and every day at events and festivals across the state.

St John Ambulance Victoria has launched a new Community Transport Service in The City of Monash to ease the challenges residents face when travelling to appointments, errands and events.

This Valentine’s Day we’re asking you to love yourself, more specifically; to love your heart. Because frankly, having optimal health is a far greater gift than any box of chocolates.

Neerim District Community Bank was inspired to gift a Defibrilltor to the Rokeby Hall committee after an influx of sudden cardiac arrests in the community. St John Ambulance Victoria will be supplying training on how community members can use the device to save a life.

Australia Day lands directly in the middle of summer, so it’s no wonder the public holiday is generally forecasted to be a scorching hot day across the nation.

Nyah District Primary School Year 3 and 4 students were taught life saving First Aid techniques throughout the St John Ambulance Victoria First Aid in School program visit. Read more in this piece from the Swan Hill Guardian.

The children of Orbost North Primary School recently received a visit from St John Ambulance Victoria First Aid In School program. The program focuses on providing school-aged kids with the skills to respond in an emergency and treat common injuries. See more in this piece from the Snowy River Mail.

Summer has officially arrived and naturally it has Aussies around the nation bursting to get outside and embrace some of the country’s most beloved sporting activities.

The final round has been opened for the Defibrillators for Sporting Clubs and Facilities Program. Sporting clubs across Victoria are being prompted to apply for a critical and life saving piece of equipment in their First Aid kit; a Defibrillator. Read more in this article by the Wimmera Mail Times.

The final round of the Defibrillators for Sporting Clubs and Facilities Program has officially opened and the Andrews Labor Government is calling for local Numurkah Clubs to apply. Read more from this article in the Numurkah Leader.

St John Ambulance Victoria recently visited St Johns Primary School in Euroa and provided life-saving First Aid training to students. Read more in this article from the Euroa Gazette.

Lakeside Golf Club Lake Boga recently received a much-needed Defibrillator after their application in the Defibrillator For Sporting Clubs & Facilities Program was approved. See more from the Swan Hill Guardian below.

Primary school students at St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School were visited by St John Ambulance Victoria to learn the skills required to provide First Aid if the need arises when an adult is not able to step in. See more in this article from Latrobe Valley Express.

The days are getting warmer, the skies are getting bluer and the UV rays from the sun are getting harsher.

Cranbourne resident John Barton honoured for his long-term commitment to St John Ambulance Victoria. The avid volunteer received an award from Governor General Linda Dessau for 42 years of volunteer service. Read more in this article by the Cranbourne Leader.

St John Ambulance Victoria partnered with the state government to deliver free Defibrillators to sporting clubs. The final round of applications for the Sporting Clubs and Facilities Program is now open and Jaclyn Symes (MLC, Northern Victoria) is calling upon sporting clubs located in Mansfield and surrounds to apply for the life-saving devices.