The evolution of the ambulance service in Victoria began in 1883. From that point, they have kept pace with innovation in ambulance design and technology, and have constantly tried to meet the demands of a changing world, and its natural disasters, illnesses and man-made situations. The Ambulance Historic Society of Victoria Inc., (AHS) has faithfully documented these changes through the years.

The First Decade (1880-1890) 

In 1883, the need for an ambulance service became a reality in Melbourne, following a public meeting which saw the formation of a branch of St John’s Ambulance Association. Humble transport methods saw patients carried on wooden doors or bundled into a hansom cab to be taken to hospital. 

In 1887, sufficient funds were raised by St John’s Ambulance to purchase six Ashford Litters which were placed at police stations. In 1899, the first horsedrawn ambulance began operation, and the  first Melbourne ambulance station was a stable complex off Bourke Street, at the rear of the Windsor Hotel. 

Moving Into The 20th Century 

In 1910, the first motor vehicle ambulance began operation, responding to 700 of the 4,000 ambulance calls in its first year. By 1914, however, St John’s Ambulance split its function, and the Victorian Civil Ambulance Service (VCAS) was formed. It solely relied on public donations and municipal council financial support, as the State Government of the day refused to subsidise the ambulance service, though this was something they did for the statewide police and fire brigades.

By 1916, the service was insolvent, and its closure contemplated, despite transporting 5,600 patients per year and travelling 60,000 miles. However, in 1918, a serious outbreak of influenza in Victoria made the ambulance service essential and, with funding from the Public Health Department, staff numbers rose to 85 drivers and attendants, and the fleet increased to 16 cars and horsedrawn vehicles to battle the epidemic. 

From 1920 To Beyond 2000

In 1923, the fleet comprised six motor vehicles, a motorcycle and sidecar, three horsedrawn ambulances, and 27 operational staff. Country services began at Yarram, Yarra Junction, and Rushworth, but the era of the horsedrawn ambulances came to an end, with the last of them going out of service in 1925. 

In 1944, some ambulances received one way radio transmissions and, by 1946, the entire fleet of 27 vehicles were fitted with radio receivers. Two way radios were fitted to the fleet in 1954, and the first communications centre began operation.

Air ambulance began in 1962 and, by 1969, the first specifically developed ambulance vehicle, the Ford F100 series, went into service. 

In October, 1970, Melbourne experienced Australia’s worst bridge disaster, the collapse of the huge Westgate Bridge that was under construction, with the result that 37 men lost their lives. This disaster, during which VCAS played a major medical role, had such an impact that many attending officers can still recount this tragic event today. 

In 1971, the MICA (Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance) concept was trialled successfully, and technology began to progress quickly so that, by 1986, helicopter retrieval of trauma and time-critical patients began. The 1990s heralded the division of non-emergency patient transport services and MICA paramedics increased from 75 to 126, with 12 new emergency ambulance stations. 

Coupled with computer assisted despatch and advanced medical priority and communication systems, the Victorian ambulance clinical information system was able to be rolled out statewide. 

From humble beginnings, Ambulance Victoria has continued to expand. Its medical care and technological expertise development is equal to anywhere in the world.

The Ambulance Museum Development History 

In the early 1990s, a group of retired ambulance officers identified the need to preserve Victoria’s ambulance history. Meetings were held and, soon after, the Ambulance Historic Society of Victoria Inc., (AHS) was formed. With much appreciated financial assistance and support from Ambulance Victoria, the museum entered its infancy. The search then began for suitable vintage ambulances, equipment, and memorabilia, often beyond the bounds of Victoria. Great endeavour brought about the procurement of some six vintage ambulances, each having to be restored at various locations around Melbourne, a challenging and difficult task. This situation continued until 2006, when premises were obtained in Thomastown, in metropolitan Melbourne, again with vital and ongoing support from Ambulance Victoria. 

Ambulance Historic Society received a great response for the museum from ambulance stations and personnel throughout Victoria and other states, resulting in donations of vintage equipment, memorabilia, photographs, and other items.

From that time, the museum has grown to be an historic gem, currently displaying some 16 vintage ambulances dating from 1912. These are complemented by a large range of interesting memorabilia, including a c. 1887 ‘Ashford Litter’ man-pushed ambulance, vintage radio, and medical equipment and information. 

This entire ambulance museum project has been solely developed and maintained voluntarily by dedicated retired ambulance personnel. It is a non-profit organisation and has become a unique and valuable heritage asset for the people of Victoria, and indeed for all throughout Australia who cherish our national history. 

The museum is located at 3 Merchant Avenue, Thomastown, Vic 3074 - within easy commuting distance from the Melbourne CBD - and is open for individual, group or club visits by appointment. Vehicles, memorabilia and retired ambulance personnel are also available for public and corporate events and displays.

*Ambulance Historical Service