Having inadequate First Aid coverage can expose you to risk of financial liability and reputation damage. In your best interests, most local councils will require proof that an appropriate level of First Aid is provided at an event. Event Organisers have a duty of care to patrons and staff to ensure that risks are appropriately managed and that professional First Aid is available onsite to cover the unexpected. Accidents can happen irrespective of the size of the event, and having St John Ambulance ready to respond will ensure peace of mind.

Any provider of commercial first aid services must be licensed as of 1 October 2021, which means a minimum set of standards are now required.

License holders must also adhere to providing only the level of first aid service granted within their license – Basic, Intermediate and Advanced. This limits the type of injuries and illnesses that may be treated, medications that may be provided and the scope of practice that staff must hold. Specific details are yet to be released by the Department of Health.

When the life of an individual can be at stake, appropriately trained first aid staff and health professionals can be the difference between a life saved and a life lost. As an Advanced First Aid Service licence holder, St John Ambulance follows best practice first aid. Each of our members works within a clearly defined scope of practice based on their qualifications and training.

At a minimum, St John always deploy a member that has the following Nationally Recognised Qualifications:

• HLTAID011* Provide First Aid
• HLTAID014* Provide Advanced First Aid
• HLTAID015* Provide Advanced Resuscitation and Oxygen Therapy
• 22556VIC* Course in the Management of Asthma Risks and Emergencies in the Workplace
• 22578VIC* Course in First Aid Management of Anaphylaxis
• PUAEME005* Provide Pain Management

Or

• An appropriately credentialled health professional

Importantly, all St John personnel operate under St John’s National Clinical Practice Guidelines which ensures that each patient receives the highest level of care to achieve the best possible medical outcome. All St John personnel also have direct access to clinical consultation and support services within St John Ambulance, 24 hours a day.

St John’s National Clinical Practice Guidelines are constantly being audited and updated to ensure best practice and that St John remains Australia’s leader in the field of pre-hospital care.

*or equivalent

St John Ambulance uses a blend of professional volunteer and salaried staff. St John volunteers and salaried responders are trained to the exact same industry leading standard, higher than you would ordinarily see from a commercial provider. We invest a great deal in our people to provide you with the absolute premium service you expect.

Many St John volunteers are Doctors, Nurses and Paramedics in their regular line of work, or currently studying toward a Health Professional qualification.

Having passionate St John volunteers adds a unique layer to your event, their genuine desire to help people is reflected in their positive, friendly attitude on the job and they often accumulate more hours on the job experience than many paid staff of other event medical providers.

St John Ambulance recommends booking with as much notice as practically possible (we sometimes have bookings more than 1 year in advance). While we often can cover last minute events, at least 4 weeks’ notice is recommended.

You can access our electronic event notification form here. Please provide as much detail about your event as possible, this assists us with assessing the risk and providing appropriate level of coverage. If you have any questions when completing this, you’re welcome to call us on 03 8588 8360 during business hours Monday - Friday.

We’ll bring all necessary equipment and medical supplies to provide First Aid at your event. Patient privacy is important to us, so we appreciate if a suitable room (or tent with walls) is available onsite for us to utilise as a First Aid post. Where this isn’t available, we bring along a treatment vehicle.

Our rates are all inclusive, so there won’t be an additional charge for consumables used, equipment or vehicles utilised at events.

For events that will utilise a St John Medical Assistance Team (MAT), we liaise with you about your individual event to discuss the onsite requirements we need you to provide.

Safety is our highest concern, both for patrons and also our members. Due to the high risk and number of deaths attributed to these vehicles, St John Ambulance does not use Motorbikes or ATVs at events. We have Victoria’s largest response crew division consisting of stretcher vehicles, 4WD vehicles, bicycles and buggies that provide coverage to all event types.

All St John personnel have obtained a current National Criminal History Check (NCHC) and Working with Children Check (WWCC).

If you have any further questions, please contact us:
Phone: 03 8588 8360
Email: myevents@stjohnvic.com.au