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The History of St John

The modern origins of St John trace back to the 19th century in England, when a group of citizens inspired by the medieval Knights of St John who cared for pilgrims and crusaders, revived the Order of St John.

St John Ambulance

This led to the formation of St John Ambulance, created to bring humanitarian ideals into practice through volunteer-led first aid – a revolutionary concept in the industrial era.

In 1883, the movement reached Australia and has since grown into the organisation we are today, with a global presence, and a deep connection to the Royal Order of Chivalry, under the Sovereign Headship of the King of England.

St John Ambulance 1970s

St John Ambulance Fleet

St John Ambulance Fremantle

Members of the Glebe Division of the St John Ambulance Brigade (1925)

St John Ambulance Minabel Reid Inspection

St John Ambulance N

St John Ambulance Historical Society of Australia

For those interested in exploring the remarkable history and legacy of St John, the St John Ambulance Historical Society of Australia offers resources, publications, and membership opportunities.

Learn more, access journals, and find out how to join your local historical society by visiting the website

@stjohnambulanceaus

National Office

St John Australia

St John State and Territory sites

National Office

St John State and Territory sites

St John Australia

St John Ambulance Australia acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities on the Traditional Lands on which we work Australia wide. We acknowledge the Ngunnawal and Ngambri peoples, the Traditional Custodians of the Canberra region, where our Australian Office is based. We pay our respects to elders past and present. At St John Ambulance, we are an inclusive organisation. We welcome and respect people that come from all backgrounds, cultures, religions, genders, sexualities, bodies, and abilities. Access to First Aid and its knowledge are fundamental human rights. Every person deserves access to life saving support, no matter who they are.

St John Ambulance Australia’s nationally recognised accredited courses are delivered by way of third-party arrangement with other organisations (for example, with our St John State and Territory agents). These agents (except WA) are authorised to deliver nationally recognised and accredited training on behalf of St John Ambulance Australia Ltd (RTO 88041).

© 2025 St John Ambulance Australia (RTO No. 88041)

National Office

St John Australia

St John State and Territory sites

@stjohnambulanceaus

St John Ambulance Australia acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities on the Traditional Lands on which we work Australia wide. We acknowledge the Ngunnawal and Ngambri peoples, the Traditional Custodians of the Canberra region, where our Australian Office is based. We pay our respects to elders past and present. At St John Ambulance, we are an inclusive organisation. We welcome and respect people that come from all backgrounds, cultures, religions, genders, sexualities, bodies, and abilities. Access to First Aid and its knowledge are fundamental human rights. Every person deserves access to life saving support, no matter who they are.

St John Ambulance Australia’s nationally recognised accredited courses are delivered by way of third-party arrangement with other organisations (for example, with our St John State and Territory agents). These agents (except WA) are authorised to deliver nationally recognised and accredited training on behalf of St John Ambulance Australia Ltd (RTO 88041).

© 2025 St John Ambulance Australia (RTO No. 88041)