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

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

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Latest Updates

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.

 

Products and Services Updates

St John is continuing to adopt new ways to ensure we provide the community with the same level of support and coverage.

We have also put in place:

  • Daily monitoring of service delivery and stock
  • Daily communication with staff

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

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 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

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/

Updated 1 June 2020

All face to face First Aid Training will be No Contact First Aid Training.

No Contact First Aid training means students undertaking face to face First Aid training in classrooms will practice and demonstrate their learning on themselves, or on a manikin. Students will no longer practice on other students or staff. Examples of practicals that will be affected by this training style include bandaging, CPR, recovery position and use of EpiPens.

For more information on our current list of First Aid Training infection control safety measures visit the link here: https://www.stjohnvic.com.au/first-aid-training/infection-control-practices/

Updated 25 May 2020

As of 1st June 2020, St John Ambulance Victoria will be reopening commercial training operations across the state, consistent with the easing of COVID-19 restrictions. Both onsite and public training is now available to book. 

Additional safety measures have been implemented to protect the health and safety of our students, including the following:

  • Smaller class sizes to allow for social distancing
  • Temperature screening at our venues upon arrival of all  visitors
  • Increased cleaning of our equipment after every class
  • Alcohol based hand sanitiser available throughout the venue,  for use upon arrival, during class and departure
  • Informational posters throughout the venues

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 20 March 2020

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

Updated 19 March 2020

  • All First Aid and other training is in full operation. To book visit https://www.stjohnvic.com.au/first-aid-training/first-aid-courses/
  • We have increased infection control processes in venues and with training equipment by staff – full measures implemented are available via our Infection Control page.
  • We are continuously communicating the latest information to staff on infection control process and PPE requirements and have introduced hand sanitisers and information posters at all training locations.

Updated 17 March 2020

  • For a limited time only, all First Aid training 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 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.
  • Courses can be rescheduled at no cost if individuals are required to self-quarantine as a result of COVID-19 concerns. Please phone 1300 360 455 to reschedule your course.

Updated 19 March 2020

  • Our product warehouse is in full operation. To enquire or order please phone 1300 360 455.
  • We are continuing to ship orders to customers placed online and through our team on the phone or via email.
  • We are continuing to source alternative suppliers for products in high demand for our customers.

Updated 4 August 2020

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

 

Updated 19 March 2020

  • Kit servicing is in full operation to replace expired products or replenish depleted products in our customers first aid kits.
  • We are continuously updating the latest information to staff on infection control processes and PPE.

Updated 19 March 2020

  • We continue to provide services to some smaller events which fall within the guidelines.
  • Commanders and Team Leaders ensure that we’re greeting those seeking our assistance at First Aid post entry points from outside vehicles. 
  • We have postponed our Youth Camp and attendance of Youth members at events has paused.
  • We are growing the organisation’s capacity to respond with volunteers and equipment should we be required to step up our emergency response under SHERP. We are reallocating equipment such as vehicles, PPE and other lifesaving equipment to where it is needed.

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Updated 16 March 2020

  • Under a State of Emergency, the Chief Health Officer has banned non-essential mass gatherings of over 500 people such as cultural events, sporting events or conferences. If your event has been affected, please contact us on 8588 8599.

Update 30 June 2020

  • Volunteer recruitment and applications are still suspended.
  • please refer to the volunteer page for the latest updates.

 

Updated 19 March 2020

  • We have paused all Volunteer Divisional meetings, Recruitment & Induction sessions and Training sessions until further notice.
  • We are continuously communicating the latest information to volunteers on infection control process and PPE requirements to our volunteers.

Updated 19 March 2020

  • All services are in full operation.
  • We are coordinating with leading agencies to stay up to date on the latest COVID-19 information and ready to respond where needed and growing our capacity to respond to demands.
  • We continuously communicating the latest information to staff on infection control process and PPE requirements.

Updated 23 March 2020

  • Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, St John Community Transport ensures all customers and drivers:
    • Do not have any Flu-like symptoms
    • Have not been overseas in the last 14 days or been in contact with anyone that has been overseas in the last 14 days
    • Have not been in contact with anyone with a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19
  • If customers have answered “Yes” to any of the above, unfortunately St John Community Transport is not in a position to transport them.
  • All customers are to be seated in the backseat of the vehicle and both the customer and driver must wear a face mask at all times (mask provided).
  • Please note, all seats, door handles, seat belts and other commonly used areas are wiped down with disinfectant wipes between each customer.
  • We are continuously communicating the latest information to staff on infection control process and PPE requirements.
  • We are completing screening calls prior to the time of booking to ensure that community transport customers are not unwell with any symptoms which may be associated with COVID-19.

Updated 19 March 2020

  • Deployments have been paused until further notice. We look forward to being able to offer them again soon.

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Updated 16 March 2020

  • Under a State of Emergency, the Chief Health Officer has banned non-essential mass gatherings of over 500 people such as cultural events, sporting events or conferences. If your event has been affected, please contact us.

Updated 19 March 2020

  • The program is currently on hold and we are not accepting new bookings for 2020 at this point in time.

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Updated 19 March 2020

  • We are continuously communicating the latest information to staff on infection control process and PPE requirements.

The following measures are now implemented:

  • Regular sanitising of equipment such as mannikins, EpiPens, etc. after each class
  • As always, following best practice hygiene standards, including washing hands, using hand sanitiser and not shaking hands
  • Adapting delivery of content to avoid contact.
  • Modified First Aid in Schools modules to minimise contact by:
    • Removal of Cuts and Grazes module (Grade 1 & 2)
    • Removal of Bites and Strings module (Grade 3 & 4)
    • Removal of Asthma module (Grade 3 & 4)
  • Request each student washes their hands before the session begins

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Updated 18 March 2020

  • Under a State of Emergency, the Chief Health Officer has banned non-essential Indoor public gatherings of more than 100 people. If your school and program booking has been affected, please contact us to reschedule on 8588 8885

The Museum in Williamstown is closed for the time being.