Melbourne's first ambulance, a horse drawn cart started operations from stables in the city in 1899.

This basic transport facility is a far cry from the sophisticated vehicles and equipment we take for granted today but it was a significant advancement on earlier patient transport services.

The beginning 1880 -1890

1880 Melburnians had no transport facility to call on when they fell victim to sickness or injury. Social classes were strictly divided in the community of 250,000 people. Medical attention was readily available to those who could afford to pay. For the poor, the unemployed and the working class the situation was pitiful.

1883 Ambulance began in Melbourne with a public meeting deciding to form a branch of St John Ambulance Association. Its aims were to teach first aid and home nursing to as many people as possible. It was common to see sick or injured being carried through the streets on a wooden door unscrewed from the patient's house. Or patients were bundled into a hansom cab or any other available transport to get them to hospital.

1887 Sufficient funds were raised for St Johns to purchase six Ashford Litters. These were placed at police stations.

1899 The first horse drawn ambulance began operation. Again thanks to the fund raising of an association of ladies of St John. The first Melbourne Ambulance Station was a stable complex off Bourke St, at the rear of the Windsor Hotel.

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