St John Ambulance Victoria’s 2024 Annual Report has been released, and it compiles a remarkable year where we truly made a difference across the state. From first aid training and youth development to community transport and aged care, every corner of our organisation contributed to making Victoria a safer and more connected place. 

Here’s how we worked together to support our community, grow our impact, and deliver essential services to those who needed it most.  

Event Health Services: Ready When It Matters Most 

Our Event Health Services teams were frontline responders at major events across the state, from sporting fixtures to music festivals, ensuring Victorians had immediate access to first aid and emergency care when they needed it most. Behind the scenes, thousands of volunteer hours were logged, with professionalism, preparation, and heart on display at every event. 

Key Statistics  

Expanding Our Services  

We also proudly expanded our Event Health Services across a wide range of venues and major events. We were trusted to provide first aid coverage at some of the state’s most iconic locations, including the Arts Centre Melbourne and Sidney Myer Music Bowl, where thousands of visitors gathered for performances throughout the year. 

Our team was also on hand at the Victoria Racing Club, playing a vital role during the world-famous Melbourne Cup Carnival. At Her Majesty’s Theatre, we supported theatregoers with on-site care, ensuring peace of mind for all in attendance. 

We strengthened our partnership with the Untitled Group, delivering medical support at large-scale music events like the Beyond the Valley Festival, where safety is critical in high-energy, remote environments. 

Additionally, our continued presence at Marvel Stadium helped protect thousands of AFL fans and concertgoers. Whether it was during high stakes matches or international music acts, our trained volunteers and health professionals were there to respond quickly to any medical need. 

We provided free first aid support at key charity events with partners like Variety – the Children’s Charity, Vision Australia, the Good Friday Appeal, and RSL Victoria.  

These partnerships reflect the growing confidence event organisers place in St John to keep people safe, no matter the size or scale of the gathering. 

St John Youth: Growing the Next Generation of Leaders 

St John Youth continue to inspire and educate young people through a blend of first aid skills, leadership development, and volunteering. 

Our young volunteers stepped up at events, in classrooms, and in the community, proving the future of St John is bright, skilled and service-driven. 

One of the standout moments of the year was the Annual Easter Camp, a much-loved tradition that brings youth members together for learning, teamwork, and fun. This year’s camp welcomed 74 enthusiastic youth members, supported by 12 dedicated youth leaders and 21 adult leaders. The energy and engagement on display showed just how important this event is for connection and development. 

Transport Services: More Than Just a Ride 

Our Transport Services keep growing and delivering exceptional care across the state. With over 73,000 patient movements completed, key contract renewals secured, and a focus on staff development, it was a year of impact and progress. 

Our Non-Emergency Patient Transport and Community Transport teams provided vital links to care and connection. 

We helped thousands of Victorians get to medical appointments, community events, and social outings safely and with dignity. 

For many seniors and vulnerable people, this service meant the difference between isolation and inclusion. 

Highlights include: 

• Renewal of our Ambulance Victoria contract  

• Launch of a new deceased person transport service  

• 39 new Ambulance Transport Attendants trained  

• Introduction of a new patient feedback system (4.82/5 rating)  

• Volunteer engagement in Community Transport hit a post-2021 high  

• Staff recognised at our annual Excellence Awards  

• NEPT license successfully renewed by the Department of Health  

Community Programs: First Aid for All 

Our outreach programs brought first aid education to schools, local communities, and vulnerable groups, empowering everyday people to act in a crisis. 

These programs helped bridge the gap in first aid access and understanding, especially in culturally diverse, regional, and at-risk communities. 

First Aid in Schools: A Record-Breaking Year 

In 2024, we trained 110,625 primary school students in first aid, our biggest year in five years. Delivered to 451 schools, the program continues to be highly rated by teachers (9.6/10) and eagerly anticipated by students. 

Since its launch, the program has reached over 1.4 million children across Victoria, building vital life skills and confidence. This year, we saw dramatic improvements in students’ first aid knowledge, skills, and confidence after training. 

We also expanded our reach to secondary schools through the Party Ready program, a powerful, interactive workshop equipping young people with the knowledge and skills to stay safe at social events. Over 3,000 students across 46 schools took part, learning how drugs and alcohol affect the body, what to do in an emergency, and how to apply CPR and use a defibrillator. With a 97% student satisfaction rating, the program continues to grow, thanks to generous support from the Collier Charitable Fund and ongoing collaboration with schools. 

CPR Lab: Life-Saving Skills for All 

Our CPR Lab trained 10,447 people in CPR and defibrillator awareness through free, hands-on sessions across 71 community events, from metro Melbourne to remote regional areas. 

The program continues to break down barriers, bringing vital skills to those who might not otherwise access first aid training. With support from partners like AVID Group and the growing involvement of 52 trained youth volunteers, CPR Lab is reaching more people than ever. 

Defib In Your Street: Making Every Second Count 

Our Defib In Your Street program hit a major milestone, expanding into its third suburb, Sunshine, and continuing its life-saving work across Victoria. With a mission to get defibrillators into the heart of communities and more people trained in CPR, the program is transforming survival rates in areas with high rates of sudden cardiac arrest. 

We trained 5,722 people in CPR and installed 42 public defibrillators across Reservoir, St Albans and Sunshine, all at no cost to the community. Thanks to this program, average travel time to a defib in Reservoir dropped from 5.36 to 2.74 minutes, a huge difference when every second matters. 

We are proud to continue this life-saving work with the support of Brimbank City Council, Melbourne Airport and the people who choose St John for training and services. 

Training That Empowers and Saves Lives 

We trained a record-breaking 72,773 students in first aid and mental health, equipping more people than ever before with life-saving skills.  

• 6,504 classes were delivered across the state. 

• We launched our Mental Health First Aid program, with plans to double enrolment in 2025. 

• 164 students completed advanced, long-course qualifications. 

Major partnerships with Victoria Police and a new national contract with Coles helped us expand our reach, making St John the go-to training provider for workplaces and emergency services alike. 

Our passionate trainers were at the heart of this success. Feedback from students praised the professionalism, care, and clarity our trainers brought to every session, often turning a routine class into a life-changing experience. 

 First Aid Products 

2024 was a big year for our First Aid Products team, as we expanded our reach and made first aid more accessible than ever before. 

We serviced 54,372 first aid kits across Victoria, an average of 218 kits per day, ensuring workplaces and community spaces were equipped and compliant. With demand growing, we doubled our on-the-road team to 20, supporting an 83% increase in serviced locations over the past two years. With 8,816 locations visited, we’re proud to be keeping thousands of kits and defibrillators ready for emergencies.  

A major milestone was the launch of our first retail store at Eastland Shopping Centre, St John’s first in a shopping centre anywhere in Australia, making it easier for the public to access trusted first aid products and training. 

Philanthropy: Heartfelt Support That Drives Change 

Philanthropic partners, donors, and community fundraisers played a major role in helping St John deliver more care, training, and equipment across Victoria. 

Their generous support helped us fund defibrillator placements, subsidised training, and health initiatives in communities that need it most. 

Major partners, including QIC (Eastland Shopping Centre), Lander & Rogers, and AVID Properties, also contributed to our success. 

Every dollar raised helped us save more lives. 

Seniors Community Care: Compassion at Every Step 

Our Seniors Community Care team provided a huge 36,664 hours of support to older Victorians, helping them live independently and with dignity. 

• 83,505 nutritious meals were delivered through our Manor Meals program. 

• 7,361 hours of specialised clinical nursing care was provided to clients through Home Care Packages, DVA, and Post-Acute Care. 

Our case managers, nurses, and carers delivered more than services — they delivered connection, compassion, and holistic care. Families consistently praised our staff for going the extra mile to meet physical, emotional, and psychological needs. 

Looking Ahead 

Whether it was a life saved at an event, a senior receiving care at home, a student enhancing his knowledge, or a stranger stepping up with CPR, 2024 was full of real moments where St John made a real difference. 

And we’re not done yet. With strong foundations and incredible people, 2025 is already shaping up to be another year of impact. 

Thank you to every volunteer, trainer, nurse, donor, partner and staff member who made this possible. We are proud of what we have achieved, and even prouder of the community we are building. 

View our most recent annual report here: