Ambulance Victoria Chas Martin OAM Museum

In 1883, ambulance services began in Melbourne after a public meeting. They decided to create a branch of the St John Ambulance Association. At that time, patients were often carried on removed wooden doors or crammed into hansom cabs (a kind of horse-drawn carriage) for hospital trips.

By 1887, St John’s Ambulance raised enough money to buy six Ashford Litters. These litters were kept at police stations. In 1899, the first horse-drawn ambulance started operating. The first ambulance station in Melbourne was a stable behind the Windsor Hotel on Bourke Street.

In 1910, the first motor vehicle ambulance began service. It handled 700 of the 4,000 calls that year. By 1916, St John Ambulance separated its roles. This led to the creation of the Victorian Civil Ambulance Service (VCAS). VCAS relied on public donations and support from local councils. The state government did not fund it like they did for police and fire services.

In 1916, VCAS faced financial troubles. Despite this, they transported 5,600 patients annually and travelled 60,000 miles. A severe influenza outbreak in Victoria in 1918 made the ambulance service crucial. With funding from the Public Health Department, staff numbers grew to 85. The fleet also expanded to 16 vehicles.

In 1923 the fleet included:

• Six motor vehicles.
• A motorcycle with a sidecar.
• Three horse-drawn ambulances.
• 27 staff.

Ambulance services in rural areas began in Yarram, Yarra Junction, and Rushworth. By 1925, the ambulance service stopped using horse-drawn ambulances.

In 1944, some ambulances got one-way radios. By 1946, all 27 vehicles had radio receivers. Two-way radios were added in 1954, and the first communications centre opened. Air ambulance services started in 1962.

In 1969, the Ford F100 Series, was introduced as the first specially designed ambulance. In October 1970, the Westgate Bridge collapsed, killing 37 people. The Victorian Ambulance Service played an important role helping people affected. Many attending officers still remember being involved.

In 1971, the Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance (MICA) concept was successfully tested. By 1986, helicopters were used to rescue trauma patients. In the 1990s, non-emergency patient transport was separated from regular ambulance services, and the number of MICA paramedics increased from 75 to 126. New dispatch systems and a clinical information system were also introduced across Victoria.

AV has made significant improvements over the years. New technologies and processes have been introduced to enhance service delivery. A 2024 study by the Council of Ambulance Authorities found that 97 per cent of patients were satisfied with the service from AV paramedics and first responders.