For over a century, St John Ambulance Victoria has been a trusted name in first aid and medical response, empowering over 70,000 individuals and workplaces with lifesaving skills in 2024 alone. Our commitment to innovation, quality, and community impact, continues to set us apart.

We remain focused on our mission, to lead Victoria in first aid and medical responses to community healthcare needs, ensuring that more Victorians are prepared to act in emergencies when it matters most.

With over 2000 volunteers in the field delivering first aid at events and festivals each year, plus a team of 300 caring for patients each day in Non-Emergency Patient Transport, we not only understand the theory behind first aid and patient care, we put it into practice with real people.

 Adapting to Meet Changing Needs

The way people learn and access first aid has evolved, and St John has led the way in delivering training and products that keep pace with these changes. During the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, we acted swiftly and decisively, launching a fully online first aid training platform that enabled businesses and individuals to continue meeting compliance requirements without disruption. “We had to rethink everything,” David Loiacono, General Manager of Training and Product recalls. “2022 became our most successful year, proving that when we innovate, we can not only survive but thrive.”

This rapid transformation not only ensured continuity but reinforced our position as Victoria’s leading provider of first aid education.

Expanding Our Offerings for Greater Impact

St John continues to invest in areas that matter most to our customers, and to the wider public. Mental Health First Aid training has become a key focus, addressing the increasing need for psychological support in workplaces and the broader community. With a goal of expanding this initiative significantly in the coming year, we are committed to equipping more Victorians with the skills to support mental well-being alongside physical first aid.

Additionally, our commitment to convenience extends beyond training; we are enhancing our first aid kit servicing offering with the ambition to double its reach in the next two years. This service has shown an increasing demand, and it has grown rapidly, with over 55,000 kits serviced in a record-breaking year. This expansion ensures workplaces and community spaces remain stocked with high-quality, fully compliant first aid supplies, giving our clients peace of mind that they are always prepared for an emergency.

Why St John? Excellence, Innovation, and Community Impact

People choose St John not because of price, but because we deliver real value through unwavering standards, an incredible commitment to our students and innovation. “Our success isn’t just about training anymore; it’s about offering a superior experience,” says David.

Our trainers are experienced professionals who bring real-world expertise from the field into every course, ensuring students gain confidence to use their skills should a loved one or colleague suffer a medical emergency. Our first aid products, including kits, components and defibrillators, are rigorously tested and compliant with the highest standards, providing reliability when it matters most.

Beyond delivering training and products, every purchase from St John helps fund vital community programs. The proceeds go back into initiatives such as free first aid training for school children, volunteer emergency response efforts, and equipping communities with lifesaving equipment and skills through our Defib In Your Street Program, which has already seen over 12,000 residents, in suburban areas, trained in free CPR.

“Our ability to generate revenue and reinvest it into community programs wouldn’t be possible without the incredible contributions of people across the organisation,” David acknowledges. “We’re not just teaching first aid; we’re creating a culture where lifesaving knowledge is accessible, valued, and continually evolving.”

Looking Ahead: A Commitment to Excellence

As we continue to grow and innovate, our focus remains on delivering the best possible experience for our customers. Whether it’s through enhanced training options, expanded product servicing, or new community initiatives, St John Ambulance Victoria is dedicated to ensuring every Victorian has access to the highest standard of first aid education and support.

A critical factor in achieving these goals is collaboration across the organisation. “One of our core values is ‘Better Together,’ and that’s never been more important,” David emphasises. “We work cross-functionally to drive high performance and take on the competition.”

When you choose St John, you're not just learning first aid; you’re joining a movement dedicated to making our communities safer, stronger, and more prepared for the unexpected.