St John Ambulance facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
St John Ambulance

Maltese cross used by St John across the world
Countries with national St John Ambulance organisations
Abbreviation	SJA
Formation	1877; 148 years ago (1877)
Parent organisation	Order of Saint John
Volunteers	500,000

St John Ambulance is a group of helpful organizations found mostly in Commonwealth countries. They teach people first aid and provide emergency medical help. Imagine them as a team of everyday heroes!

Most of the people who work for St John Ambulance are volunteers. They give their time to help others. These groups get their money from different places, like selling things, government agreements, or donations from people who want to support their work. The main organization that supports them is called the Order of St John, which is based in London.

History of St John Ambulance

St John Ambulance carriage, Bristol, 1905

The very first St John Ambulance group started in England on July 10, 1877. It was called the St John Ambulance Association. Their goal was to teach first aid in busy places like railway stations and mining areas.

A few years later, in June 1887, the first uniformed first-aiders were formed. They were known as the St John Ambulance Brigade. On May 14, 1888, Queen Victoria officially recognized the Order of St John with a special royal charter. This was a big step for the organization.

In 1974, the St John Ambulance Association and the St John Ambulance Brigade joined together. They became what is now known as the St John Ambulance Foundation.

Today, St John Ambulance has more than 40 national organizations around the world. They are part of the charitable work of The Order of St John. There are about 200,000 volunteers helping people globally.

The Order of St John owns the name and brand of St John in most countries. This includes their famous eight-pointed white Maltese cross logo. This cross is a key symbol that helps people recognize them. St John Ambulance groups welcome members from all religions. Their structure can be different in each country because they follow local laws and customs. This means what St John Ambulance does can vary from place to place.

How St John Ambulance is Organized

The way each St John Ambulance group is set up legally can be different. It depends on the country, state, or even city they are in. For example, in England and Wales, the St John Ambulance groups are registered as both charities and companies. But in South Africa, St John Ambulance is a special "public benefit organization."

St John Ambulance groups are found in many countries, including:

In the past, St John Ambulance used military-style ranks for its members. However, some groups have now changed to more common titles, like "Unit Manager" or "Superintendent."

Connection with the Order of St John

Badge of the Order of St John

The Order of St John is a very old and respected international organization. Its main office is in the United Kingdom. This Order created the St John Ambulance groups and helps guide their important work. They also own the rights to the St John name and its famous Maltese Cross logo.

Besides St John Ambulance, the Order also oversees the St John Eye Hospital Group. This group helps people with eye problems and is separate from the ambulance services. Becoming a member of the Order is by invitation only. It's a way to recognize people who have worked very hard and shown great dedication to the mission of St John.

Related Topics

Here are some other topics connected to St John Ambulance and the Order:

• St John Ambulance Ranks and Insignia
• St John Ambulance Cadets in the UK
• Service Medal of the Order of St John

Similar organizations that help people:

• Johanniter-Unfall-Hilfe (Germany)
• International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (international)
• Sovereign Military Order of Malta (international)
  • Order of Malta Ambulance Corps (Ireland)