- St John WA wins top national award for family and domestic violence (FDV) education program, a national first in the ambulance sector
- Supported by $2.1 million Cook Government investment, initiative empowers almost 3,000 Western Australian first responders to face FDV with confidence and care
- Program credited with identifying and addressing suspected FDV across Western Australia
St John WA has been recognised for its nation-leading work to strengthen the way first responders support victim-survivors of family and domestic violence (FDV).
Backed by $2.1 million in Cook Labor Government funding, its State-wide FDV education program was recognised with an award for Excellence in Staff Development at the 2025 Council of Ambulance Authorities Awards for Excellence.
The program equips almost 3,000 paramedics, volunteer ambulance officers and Triple Zero (000) call takers with the skills and confidence to recognise and respond when patients may be experiencing FDV.
Since being rolled out in October 2023, paramedics and volunteers are flagging an average of 6.8 suspected FDV cases a day, and State Control Centre takes 4.7 calls per day, showing more cases are being recognised, recorded and acted on, so that victim-survivors do not go unseen or unsupported.
Delivered in collaboration with Stopping Family Violence and evaluated by the Centre for Social Impact at The University of Western Australia, the program is one of the biggest education and training program rollouts ever across St John WA
Completion of the rollout is on track for June of 2026 and integration as part ongoing clinical education training for new recruits already underway.
As stated by Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Jessica Stojkovski:
"Too often, ambulance officers are the first point of contact for victims and victim-survivors of family and domestic violence.
"This education program ensures they are not only there to save lives, but also to listen, support and respond appropriately.
"The Cook Labor Government is proud to have supported this initiative as part of our broader and ongoing commitment to reducing family and domestic violence across the State.
"This honour is testament to the impact of this work and the importance of collaboration across government, community and health services.
"Everyone involved is playing a vital role in building a safer community and helping address family and domestic violence in Western Australia."
