Our History
As part of the international Order of St John, our work in Malta has grown from simple first aid education to a national network of trained volunteers who serve the community with dedication and skill. Our history of lifesaving services, first aid training, and emergency response that spans over 140 years.
Origins: The Order of St John
Our roots trace back to the Order of St John, a humanitarian organisation founded in the 11th century in Jerusalem. Originally established to care for injured and ill pilgrims, the Order’s mission of medical care and public service expanded across Europe and took strong hold in Malta.
1882: First Aid Services Begin in Malta
Our roots trace back to the Order of St John, a humanitarian organisation founded in the 11th century in Jerusalem. Originally established to care for injured and ill pilgrims, the Order’s mission of medical care and public service expanded across Europe and took strong hold in Malta.
In the decades that followed, the St John Ambulance Brigade was established in Malta. Uniformed volunteers began to provide first aid coverage at public events, including sports competitions, religious feasts, and national celebrations. This marked the start of St John’s active presence in the community.
1986: Formation of the St John Rescue Corps
To meet growing emergency needs, the St John Rescue Corps (SJRC) was formed in 1986. This specialised volunteer unit focused on rescue services, civil protection, and disaster response. Based at Fort Madalena in Madliena, the Rescue Corps quickly became a key player in:
• Urban search and rescue
• Rope rescue and cliff operations
• Firefighting support
• Lifesaving and beach patrols
Training the Public and Workplaces
Over the years, St John Malta expanded its first aid training services to meet national and workplace health and safety standards. Thousands of individuals, companies, and schools have received certified instruction in:
• Basic and advanced first aid
• CPR and AED use
• Emergency preparedness
• Occupational health and safety
All courses are delivered by qualified instructors and comply with Malta’s OHSA regulations.
Youth Programmes: Cadets and Badgers
The organisation also focuses on youth development through its Cadet (ages 10–16) and Badger (ages 6–10) programmes. These structured initiatives introduce children and teens to first aid, community service, teamwork, and leadership, empowering them to become active and responsible citizens.
A Unified Organisation
In recent years, St John Ambulance and Rescue Malta has brought all services under one unified structure. This integrated approach allows greater collaboration across our four key service areas:
• First Aid Services
• Rescue Operations
• Training & Certification
• Youth Programmes (Cadets & Badgers)
By working as one team, we ensure faster response times, better coordination, and a stronger impact on the communities we serve.
From historic beginnings to modern-day emergency support, St John Ambulance and Rescue Malta continues to provide reliable, voluntary, and professional first aid and rescue services throughout the Maltese Islands. We remain committed to saving lives, building safer communities, and training the next generation of first responders.
