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About us

Keeping Tasmanians safe since 1887

First Aid in Schools trainer with school children

Making our Tasmanian community safer through first aid. 

St John Ambulance Tasmania has been a trusted and comforting presence in the Tasmanian community since 1887. We are there when you need us most, providing support and care while building safer, more resilient communities.

Our promise

At St John Ambulance Tasmania, we’re so much more than first aid. As a leader in health and safety, we provide a comprehensive range of solutions to help keep communities, workplaces and families safe.

Our people

We value our staff and volunteers by investing in their well-being and development.

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Our impact

As a profit-for-purpose business we contribute to the social good of our community.

Read about our community programs

Our future

Our sustainable business model secures our long-term viability for providing valuable services to the Tasmanian community.

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Our Story

A global family with a shared vision

St John Ambulance Tasmania is part of a remarkable legacy with a history that extends back to 11th-century Jerusalem, where the Order of St John established a hospice to care for sick pilgrims. Over the next forty years the Order developed into a religious and military order, with its brothers and sisters (commonly known as Hospitallers of St John or Knights Hospitallers) providing care to the poor and sick of any faith.

Over centuries, the Order expanded across Europe, eventually establishing its presence in the UK in the 1140s. The Order endured significant challenges, including the dissolution of its properties under Henry VIII, yet resilient knights continued their mission.

Establishing First Aid Services

The Order experienced a revival in the 19th century due to the impact of the 19th-century industrial revolution, members of the Order decided to train ordinary people in first aid. This led to the founding of St John Ambulance in 1877. By 1883, St John Ambulance had reached Australia, establishing associations in each state and territory. By 1887 a branch was established in Tasmania. The initial focus was on providing first aid training and public health services. This foundation has grown to encompass a wide range of health and emergency services, reflecting the evolving needs of the community.

You can find out more about the Order of St John on our international site: 

www.stjohninternational.org

St John Ambulance fleet in Salmanca in the 1960's

Our impact

St John Ambulance Tasmania is proud of our history as first aid experts, and our advocacy to increase the number of people who are trained. Today, we are also much more than first aid. We provide a range of solutions to help keep communities, workplaces and families safe. As a profit-for-purpose business, we reinvest back into the community through our expanding community programs.

Every day our services and volunteers deliver medical care and save lives. We also train others to save lives and do their jobs safely.

First aid course SJx

We empower

We empower communities through quality training and a high standard of compliance, ensuring individuals are well-prepared for emergencies. Our community programs, like First Aid in Schools, help children gain essential life-saving skills.

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We equip

We equip you with high-quality first aid supplies, thorough compliance assessments, and access to community defibrillator grants. Our resources ensure you're prepared for any emergency, enhancing safety and readiness in your community.

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Volunteer in standing by a St John vehicle

We respond

We respond with professional event health services, rapid emergency response teams, and reliable patient transport. Our commitment to excellence ensures immediate and effective care during critical situations, safeguarding lives and wellbeing.

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