St John Ambulance | SA

Happy St John Day!

Today we celebrate the proud history and lasting impact of St John Ambulance SA across South Australia.

From Adelaide to regional towns, our volunteers and staff provide first aid, event support, and lifesaving training when it matters most.

We believe everyone can learn to save a life. A first aid skill or CPR can make all the difference - because help starts with people like you.

First Aid History Edition 🩺 Can you spot the lie in these statements about our history and work? Let us know your guess in the comments below.

🔥 Burns Awareness Month 🔥

Did you know burn injuries are more common during winter? Hot drinks, heaters, fireplaces, campfires, hot water and cooking accidents can all increase the risk.

If a burn happens:

💧 Cool the burn under cool running water for 20 minutes.
🚫 Don't use ice, creams, oils or butter.
📞 Seek medical advice for serious or extensive burns.

This winter, take extra care around heat sources and keep hot liquids out of children's reach. Prevention and quick first aid can make all the difference.

If an adult or child sustains a burn injury, remember: 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗼𝘃𝗲, 𝗖𝗼𝗼𝗹, 𝗖𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗸.

• 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗼𝘃𝗲 clothing and jewellery from the affected area.
• 𝗖𝗼𝗼𝗹 the burn under cool running water for 𝟮𝟬 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝘂𝘁𝗲𝘀 as soon as possible.
• 𝗖𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 the burn with a clean, non-stick dressing or cloth.
• 𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗸 medical advice if needed.

Remember: 𝟮𝟬 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝘂𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝘂𝗹𝗲.

ANZBA

💜 Today, on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, our team came together for a purple-themed afternoon tea to show our support for older Australians and help raise awareness of elder abuse.

Elder abuse can take many forms, including financial, emotional, physical and social abuse. By starting conversations, recognising the signs, and supporting older people in our communities, we can all play a part in creating a safer, more respectful world.

At St John, our Community Care Program helps support more than 250 clients across South Australia, reducing loneliness through real activities like coffee, shopping, gallery visits, beach walks, or garden outings.

Together, let's stand up against elder abuse and promote dignity, respect and inclusion for all older people.

Every older person deserves to feel safe, valued and connected. 💜

https://www.stjohnsa.com.au/community-care

VALE
Vilos ‘Bill’ Pavlik CStJ

It is with sadness that we advise of the passing of Historical Society member Bill Pavlik on 11 June 2026, at the age of 96. Bill will be sadly missed by many and remembered for his long support to the South Australian community through St John, his research on St John Ambulance medals and air ambulances, and in particular his work with the multicultural community. Bill was appointed a Serving Brother of the Order of St John on 18 December 1980. District Staff Officer Vilos Pavlik was awarded the National Medal for 15 years’ long service on 15 May 1986. He was promoted to Officer (Brother) of the Order of St John on 5 January 1990, and Commander on 16 January 1997. Bill is pictured here at the official opening of the St John Ambulance Historical Society of SA Museum & Research Centre in Brighton on Sunday 16 May 2021.

Pro Fide, Pro Utilitate Hominum
Lest we Forget

Today on Thank a First Responder Day, we acknowledge the people who step forward when it matters most.

Across Australia, first responders play a vital role in supporting their communities, providing care, comfort and reassurance in moments of need.

At St John SA, our people are proud to stand alongside all first responders, delivering Health and Medical support and always ready to help.

A small gesture can go a long way, today, we simply say thank you 💚

A little laughter can make a big difference.

During a visit to the Women's and Children's Hospital this week, CEO A/Prof Steve Morris had the opportunity to meet members of the Clown Doctors team as they celebrated 25 years of bringing humour, play and connection into children's hospitals across Australia.

Working alongside healthcare teams, Clown Doctors help children navigate fear, pain and uncertainty through laughter and imagination, transforming clinical spaces into places of courage, resilience and hope.

Their work reaches more than 300,000 children, families and healthcare staff each year.

📍 Women's and Children's Hospital, Adelaide

Some St John connections last a lifetime.

This week, Community Care client Moira Cotter was introduced to volunteer Ros Ellis through the CHSP Social Support and Community Engagement program.

What made the meeting so special was that the two women already knew each other.

More than a decade ago, Moira was a Community Care volunteer herself. In fact, she appeared in a 2014 St John newsletter article celebrating National Volunteer Week, where she joined fellow volunteers in recognising the power of volunteering and the difference it makes in people's lives.

Now, at 84 years of age, Moira is receiving support through Community Care and has been matched with Ros, who is also 84.

Their reunion is a reminder that St John is built on relationships that often extend far beyond a single role or moment in time. The same organisation that Moira once volunteered for is now supporting her through a new chapter of life.

A wonderful example of the lasting impact of community connection ❤️

We're proud to be part of Ambulance Wish SA, a unique collaboration between Palliative Care SA, St John Ambulance SA and Flinders University that helps South Australians living with a life limiting illness experience a special wish.

Recently, Trevor's wish to visit the Adelaide Crows and meet members of the team became a reality, creating a special day for Trevor and his wife, Sheila.

St John SA is proud to provide the Wish Ambulance and support the dedicated volunteers who help make these moments possible.

Thank you to Ambulance Wish SA, the Adelaide Crows and everyone involved in helping create lasting memories for Trevor and his family.

💙