Historical information

The St John Ambulance Association, which was founded in 1877 in England. Its first uniformed first-aiders were founded in 1887 as the St John Ambulance Brigade. These two have since been merged into a single association. St John Ambulance now have over 40 national organisations, many of which are affiliated with Johanniter International, and over 300,000 volunteers worldwide.

The Order of St John owns the brand name in most countries (with the notable exception of India, which has a St John Ambulance organisation that is unconnected to the international movement). Logos vary in different countries but always contain the eight-pointed white Maltese cross as the essential identifier. Like the Order, St John Ambulance associations accept members of all religions. Their geographic organisation differs from the Order, and they have to contend with the differing national laws, medical practices and cultures of countries. As a result, the role and organisation of St John Ambulance varies by country.

Physical description

Joan Filbey Collection: Book First Aid to the Injured - The St John Ambulance association. The book is a copy of the Thirty-ninth edition first impression (1942), Price 2/6 net; by post, 2/8. The book is published by the St John Ambulance Association (Victoria Centre) 217 Lonsdale Street Melbourne.

Inside Front Cover - a sketch of a skeleton along with arteries and bones marked. It is sttsched to the cover by masking tape. Written in ink is "Maxwell A. Roberts, SEC Bendigo"