St John Ambulance

Contact Us Login Donate

St John's Response to COVID-19 and Updates to our Services

Home About Us Response to COVID-19

Access the latest Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice from the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services here.

Latest Updates

 

First Aid Training

Updated 11 August 2022

During the COVID pandemic, training organisations have been allowed to apply reasonable adjustments to first aid training as an infection control precaution. For example, students have been allowed to perform assessments such as bandaging or demonstrating the recovery position on themselves instead of on a second person as was the normal practice pre-COVID.

From 1st September 2022 the Australian Industry and Skills Committee (AISC) will require all training activities to return to pre-COVID conditions. This means that:

  • 100% online (virtual) first aid classes students will need to demonstrate some of the practical assessment tasks on another person.

Students will need to arrange for someone to assist for part of their 100% online class, to act as a ‘mock casualty’. Students could use a colleague or a friend or family member. The 'mock casualty' does not need any first aid knowledge and will only be required for part of the class. More information on what the requirements are can be found here.

If students are unable to find a second person to assist with the practical assessments at the time the class is currently booked, they can transfer to a new date here.

Please note that this new requirement may mean that your class will finish up to 15 mins after the currently scheduled finish time.

If students need to swap to a face to face course in a classroom, or if they can’t find a date that suits, contact our Customer Experience team on 1300 360 455 (Monday - Friday 8:30AM - 5:00PM AEST) or complete this form here.

  • Face to face classroom students will be required to demonstrate rescue breaths into manikins.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and sanitiser is provided and manikins are cleaned according to the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure strict infection control practices are in place. For further information about the removal of reasonable adjustments, see the AISC statement here. 

Updated 27 April 2022

Following the easing of restrictions in Victoria that came into effect at 11.59pm on 22nd April, students are no longer required to present evidence of COVID vaccination or to check in via the Services Victoria app.

NOTE: Vaccination requirements still apply to students enrolled in Certificate III Non-emergency Patient Transport or Diploma of Emergency.

Updated 21 February 2022

All students of higher education and skills providers are required to have at least 2 COVID-19 vaccination doses to attend onsite training. This means the following:

• All students visiting our public training venues must present evidence they have received at least 2 COVID-19 vaccination doses, unless they have evidence of a medical exemption.
• Students are still required to check in via the Services Victoria app. (The changes to QR code check in on 18th February do not affect adult/higher education.)

Updated 27 October 2021

Further to the easing of restrictions at the 80% vaccination target, as of 6pm Friday 29th October all students of higher education and skills providers are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to attend onsite training. This means the following:

  • As of Saturday 30th October all students visiting our public training venues must present evidence they are fully vaccinated, unless they have evidence of a medical exemption

Updated 25 October 2021

FIRST AID TRAINING

With the roadmap to reopening and restrictions easing, we welcome students back to our public training venues in Metropolitan Melbourne as well as throughout Regional Victoria. Details are as follows:

  • First Aid training classes at public venues in Metropolitan Melbourne resumes Tuesday 26th October, pending venue availability. 
  • First Aid training will continue for onsite classes in Metropolitan Melbourne for all industries and occupations.
  • First aid training classes either onsite or public in regional Victoria continue unless local venue restrictions apply.
  • Small class sizes apply to ensure density requirements are met.
  • All students are required to wear masks in our training venues.
  • All students are required to check in via the Services Victoria app.
  • All staff have been fully vaccinated against COVID.
  • COVID vaccinations are strongly encouraged for students.
  • From 26th November onwards all students at our public classes are required to be fully vaccinated, this date is likely to be brought forward. However Bendigo and Cheltenham require all students to be fully vaccinated by 29th October, more venues may follow.

Updated 21September 2021

FIRST AID TRAINING

In line with the latest restrictions announced, the following will apply to First Aid Training:

  • First Aid training classes at public venues in Metropolitan Melbourne are postponed until 26 October. Virtual options are available. 
  • First Aid training will continue for onsite classes in Metropolitan Melbourne for authorised occupations and activities only: https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2021-08/20210805%20Restrictions%20Change.pdf
  • First aid training classes either onsite or public in regional Victoria continue unless local lockdowns or venue restrictions apply.

Affected students who wish to reschedule from a face-to-face to a virtual class can do so here. Those who wish to reschedule to a face-to-face class can do so here. If you need assistance please phone 1300 360 455.

Updated 16 September 2021

FIRST AID TRAINING

In line with the latest restrictions announced, the following will apply to First Aid Training:

  • First Aid training classes at public and onsite venues in Shepparton resume from Thursday 16th September, subject to venue availability. Some students may be affected due to maximum class sizes capped at 10 students. Affected students will be contacted to reschedule.
  • First Aid training classes at public venues in Ballarat is now postponed until Thursday 23rd September.
  • First Aid training classes at public venues in Metropolitan Melbourne remains postponed until Thursday 23rd September.
  • First Aid training will continue for onsite classes in Metropolitan Melbourne for authorised occupations and activities only: https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2021-08/20210805%20Restrictions%20Change.pdf

Affected students who wish to reschedule from a face-to-face to a virtual class can do so here. Those who wish to reschedule to a face-to-face class can do so here. If you need assistance please phone 1300 360 455.

Updated 8 September 2021

FIRST AID TRAINING

In line with the latest restrictions announced, the following will apply to First Aid Training:

  • First Aid training classes at public and onsite venues in Regional Victoria (excluding Shepparton) will resume on Friday 10th September, subject to venue availability. Some students may be affected due to maximum class sizes capped at 10 students. Affected students will be contacted to reschedule.
  • First Aid training classes at public venues in Metropolitan Melbourne remains postponed until Thursday 23rd September.
  • First Aid training will continue for onsite classes in Metropolitan Melbourne for authorised occupations and activities only: https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2021-08/20210805%20Restrictions%20Change.pdf

Affected students who wish to reschedule from a face-to-face to a virtual class can do so here. Those who wish to reschedule to a face-to-face class can do so here. If you need assistance please phone 1300 360 455.

Updated 1 September 2021

FIRST AID TRAINING

In line with the latest restrictions announced, the following will apply to First Aid Training:

  • First Aid training classes at public venues in Metropolitan Melbourne will be postponed until Thursday 23rd September. Affected students will be contacted with further details.
  • First Aid training classes at public venues in Regional Victoria will be postponed until Thursday 9th September. Affected students will be contacted with further details.
  • First Aid training will continue for onsite classes for authorised occupations and activities only: https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2021-08/20210805%20Restrictions%20Change.pdf
  • It is strongly recommended all students book Virtual First Aid Training due to the uncertainty of future restrictions easing beyond 23 September. For those with existing bookings for face-to-face training, it is recommend to transfer to a Virtual class rather than wait for face-to-face training.

Affected students who wish to reschedule from a face-to-face to a virtual class can do so here. Those who wish to reschedule to a face-to-face class can do so here. If you need assistance please phone 1300 360 455.

Updated 23 August 2021

FIRST AID TRAINING

In line with the latest restrictions announced, until 11:59pm on Thursday 2nd September, the following will apply to First Aid Training:

Affected students who wish to reschedule their training can do so here or phone 1300 360 455 for assistance.

Updated 16 August 2021

FIRST AID TRAINING

In line with the latest restrictions announced, until 11:59pm on Thursday 2nd September, the following will apply to First Aid Training:

  • First Aid training classes at public venues in Metropolitan Melbourne will be postponed until Friday 3rd September. Affected students will be contacted with further details.
  • First Aid training classes at public and onsite venues in Regional Victoria will continue.
  • First Aid training will continue for onsite classes in Metropolitan Melbourne for authorised occupations and activities only: https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2021-08/20210805%20Restrictions%20Change.pdf

Affected students who wish to reschedule their training can do so here or phone 1300 360 455 for assistance.

Updated 11 August 2021

FIRST AID TRAINING

In line with the latest restrictions announced, until 11:59pm on Thursday 19th August, the following will apply to First Aid Training:

  • First Aid training classes at public venues in Metropolitan Melbourne will be postponed until Friday 20th August. Affected students will be contacted with further details.
  • First Aid training classes at public and onsite venues in Regional Victoria will resume. Some students may be affected due to maximum class sizes capped at 10 students. Affected students will be contacted to reschedule.
  • First Aid training will continue for onsite classes in Metropolitan Melbourne for authorised occupations and activities only: https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2021-08/20210805%20Restrictions%20Change.pdf

Affected students who wish to reschedule their training can do so here or phone 1300 360 455 for assistance.

Updated 5 August 2021

FIRST AID TRAINING

In line with the latest restrictions announced, until Friday 13th August, the following will apply to First Aid Training:

Affected students who wish to reschedule their training can do so here or phone 1300 360 455 for assistance.

Updated 27 July 2021

First Aid Training

In line with the latest restrictions announced, from Wednesday 28th July, the following will apply to First Aid Training:

  • Training at our public venues throughout Metropolitan Melbourne and Regional Victoria will recommence with a maximum of 10 students per class.  This is subject to venue availability and our Customer Service team will contact students individually if there is a need for them to be rescheduled to an alternative date.
  • Training onsite at client workplaces may recommence throughout Metropolitan Melbourne and Regional Victoria, depending on group size and venue restrictions, to be assessed by the client.
  • Masks are required to be worn at all metropolitan, regional and onsite classes
  • We will be observing a density quotient of 1 person per 4 square metres in all classes

Updated 20 July 2021

FIRST AID TRAINING

In line with the latest restrictions announced, until 11:59pm on Tuesday 27th July, the following will apply to First Aid Training:

Affected students who wish to reschedule their training can do so here or phone 1300 360 455 for assistance.

Updated 15 July 2021

FIRST AID TRAINING

In line with the latest restrictions announced, from 11:59pm on 15th July until 11:59pm on 20th July, the following will apply to First Aid Training:

Affected students who wish to reschedule their training can do so here or phone 1300 360 455 for assistance.

Updated 16 June 2021

FIRST AID TRAINING

In line with the latest restrictions announced, from Friday 18th June, the following will apply to First Aid Training:

  • Training at our public venues in Metropolitan Melbourne will increase to a maximum of 20 students per class
  • Masks remain a requirement at all metropolitan, regional and onsite classes
  • We continue to observe a density quotient of 1 person per 4 square metres in all classes

Updated 9 June 2021

First Aid Training

In line with the latest restrictions announced, from Friday 11th June, the following will apply to First Aid Training:

  • Training at our public venues in Metropolitan Melbourne will recommence with a maximum of 10 students per class.   Our Customer Service team will contact students individually if there is a need for them to be rescheduled to an alternative date.
  • Training in Regional Victorian classes will be capped at 20 students, unless additional restrictions apply at a particular training facility.
  • Training onsite at client workplaces may recommence throughout Metropolitan Melbourne and Regional Victoria, depending on group size and venue restrictions, to be assessed by the client.
  • Masks are required to be worn at all metropolitan, regional and onsite classes
  • We will be observing a density quotient of 1 person per 4 square metres in all classes

KIT SERVICING

In line with the latest restrictions announced, from Friday 11th June, Kit Servicing at our customer workplaces will resume.

Updated 2 June 2021

First Aid Training

In line with the recent extension of restrictions in Victoria, there are several updates regarding services in Metropolitan Melbourne and Regional Victoria.


Metropolitan Melbourne:

Affected students, please submit your details to register for a new class after the 10th of June here or phone 1300 360 455 for assistance.

Regional Victoria:

  • Public and corporate classes will proceed in Regional Victoria from 11:59PM Thursday 3rd June, observing all current restrictions and subject to venue availability
  • As per the government requirements students will need to wear masks indoors
  • Our public classes are open only to students who reside in Regional Victoria. Trainers will be checking student ID on arrival, so please bring photo ID with proof of address.

Updated 27 May 2021

FIRST AID TRAINING

In line with the latest restrictions announced, from 11:59pm on 27th May until 11:59pm on the 3rd June, the following will apply to First Aid Training:

Affected students who wish to reschedule their training can do so here or phone 1300 360 455 for assistance.

Updated 25 May 2021

First Aid Training

All First Aid Training is still scheduled to continue at all of our Victorian venues, including group onsite training at workplaces at this time. We have strict COVID Safe measures in place, and staff and students in Greater Melbourne will be required to wear face masks in line with new restrictions. A full list of hygiene measures at our venues can be found here.

Important changes:

Be assured we are continuing to monitor all latest advice and will keep you up to date should the situation change.

Updated 16 April 2021

In line with recent changes to Coronavirus restrictions, training classes are now capped at 19 students per class.

Updated 17 February 2021

As of the 18th February, all commercial First Aid Training will resume.

  • First Aid training classes at public venues in Victoria will go ahead from the 18th February onwards. Students who are booked into classes on the 18th February can attend as scheduled.
  • First Aid training will continue for onsite classes in Victoria.

Updated 12 February 2021

FIRST AID TRAINING

In line with the latest Stage 4 restrictions announced, from 11:59pm on 12th February until 11:59pm on the 17th February, the following will apply to First Aid Training:

 

Updated: 11 December 2020

First Aid training class sizes will increase inclusive of 1.5m physical distancing and density quotient of 2m2.

  • Public classes at Melbourne CBD and Geelong venues will increase maximum class sizes from 12 to 16
  • All other public classes venues to increase in permissible student maximums from the 4th of January 2020, this will be venue specific because some will not be able to achieve the permissible 2m2 density quotient or 1.5m physical distancing
  • Students will be spaced 1.5 m apart for physical distancing and will be asked to wear a mask when moving from their seat for assessments
  • Onsite Group classes will increase maximum class sizes from 12 to 16 (larger sizes possible and require approval to proceed)

Updated: 11 November 2020

First Aid training class sizes will increase inclusive of 1.5m physical distancing and density quotient of 4m2.

  • Public classes will increase maximum class sizes from 10 to 12
  • Onsite Group classes will still have a maximum of 12 students (larger sizes possible dependent on training space provided)
  • 100% Virtual First Aid classes will still have a maximum of 8 students

Updated: 2 November 2020

First Aid training class sizes will increase inclusive of 1.5m physical distancing and density quotient of 4m2.

  • Public classes will increase maximum class sizes from 8 to 10
  • Onsite Group classes will increase maximum class sizes from 8 to 12 (larger sizes possible dependent on training space provided)
  • 100% Virtual First Aid classes will still have a maximum of 8 students

Updated 26 October 2020

FIRST AID TRAINING

As of 29 October 2020, St John Ambulance Victoria will be reopening commercial training operations in the Melbourne metropolitan area in addition to regional Victoria, consistent with the easing of COVID-19 restrictions. Both onsite and public training is now available to book for all customers.

For the continued safety of staff and students additional measures are in place:

  • Smaller class sizes capped at 8 students
  • PPE including masks and gloves are available at our classes for students
  • Temperature screening will take place for all people entering our training venues
  • No contact first aid training: this means students will not be required to practice first aid techniques on other students or staff, only on themselves or a manikin. For example bandaging, CPR, recovery position and use of EpiPens will not be conducted on others. Students will be directed not to breathe into a manikin at this time.
  • Increased cleaning of our equipment after every class
  • Alcohol based hand sanitiser is available throughout the venue for use upon arrival, during class and departure
  • We discard all bandages, dressings or other class consumables at the end of the class and they are not re-used

Importantly, those who meet the following criteria should not attend any St John Ambulance Training course:

  • Those who are unwell or experiencing any flu-like symptoms
  • Those who have been diagnosed positive for COVID-19 in the last 14 days
  • People who have been overseas in the 14 days prior to their course date
  • Those who have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 14 days

Those who are diagnosed with a confirmed case of COVID-19 within 14 days after attending their St John training course must advise St John Ambulance Victoria immediately on 1300 360 455

Updated 4 August 2020

FIRST AID TRAINING

In line with the latest Stage 4 restrictions announced, from 11:59pm on 5th August, the following will apply to First Aid Training:

For those who wish to continue training at this time, please take a look at our range of online training options: https://www.stjohnvic.com.au/online-courses/

KIT SERVICING

In line with the latest Stage 4 restrictions announced, from 11:59pm on 5th August, First Aid Kit Servicing onsite will cease except for essential services customers.

All customers who require replacement stock for their first aid kits or defibrillators should order via this form and items will be dispatched to them: https://www.stjohnvic.com.au/media/1840/basic-components-order-form.pdf email to kitservicing@stjohnvic.com.au

Updated 8 July 2020

Further to the recent government announcement, we confirm that first aid training courses for work reasons will be going ahead as scheduled throughout Victoria, regardless of residential postcode or local council zones.

Note that we have taken further additional measures as of 9th July for continued safety of staff and students:

  • Smaller class sizes capped at 8 students (down from 12 students)
  • PPE including masks and gloves are now available at our classes for students to wear if they choose
  • Temperature screening will take place for all people entering our training venues
  • No contact first aid training: this means students will not be required to practice first aid techniques on other students or staff, only on themselves or a manikin. For example bandaging, CPR, recovery position and use of EpiPens will not be conducted on others. Students will be directed not to breathe into a manikin at this time.
  • Increased cleaning of our equipment after every class
  • Alcohol based hand sanitiser is available throughout the venue for use upon arrival, during class and departure
  • We discard all bandages, dressings or other class consumables at the end of the class and they are not re-used

Importantly, those who meet the following criteria should not attend any St John Ambulance Training course:

  • Those who are unwell or experiencing any flu-like symptoms
  • Those who have been diagnosed positive for COVID-19 in the last 14 days
  • People who have been overseas in the 14 days prior to their course date
  • Those who have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 14 days

Those who are diagnosed with a confirmed case of COVID-19 within 14 days after attending their St John training course must advise St John Ambulance Victoria immediately on 1300 360 455.

Updated 24 March 2020

Apart from onsite training in workplaces that provide essential services, St John Ambulance Victoria will no longer be delivering training services in a physical classroom setting after Wednesday the 25th of March in response to the COVID-19 crisis. This is a temporary shutdown of services and we look forward to reopening again to support our many valued clients and students.

Updated 23 March 2020

Community transport customers are to be seated in the back seat of the vehicle and drivers and customers must wear a face mask at all times (masks will be provided).

Updated 20 March 2020

We have taken into account the latest advice on federal requirements in relation to indoor gatherings and capped class sizes to ensure a minimum of 4 square metres per student

Updated 17 March 2020

All First Aid training now comes with bonus access to our Infection Control eLearning course that participants can complete online in just 45 minutes. Students will receive a link to the course on their student readiness page. This course provides practical advice for you and your workplace teams to follow to help reduce the spread of infection such as Coronavirus.

Updated 11 March 2020

We understand many in the community may be concerned about the growing threat of coronavirus (COVID-19). St John is here to serve those in sickness, distress, suffering and danger and your wellbeing remains our top priority. We continue to monitor the evolving situation and are acting in line with the advice of the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services. We will keep you updated with notifications as we receive them.

We have implemented various precautionary measures across our training classes in response to the current situation. Please see here for more information about training with us and the processes we have put in place.