History
The first recognised ambulance service in New South Wales, known as the Civil Ambulance and Transport Brigade, commenced operations on 1 April 1895. The first ambulance station was a borrowed police station in Railway Square, Sydney staffed by two permanent officers. Patients were transported on hand-held stretchers and handlitters.
The Brigade was a dedicated community based organisation, operating the first horsedrawn ambulance in 1899 and first motor vehicle in 1912, both donated to the Brigade by the public. Radio controlled vehicles commenced operation in 1937, a rescue service in 1941, a training school in 1961 and air ambulance in 1967. Advanced life support and intensive care vehicles were introduced in 1976.
Over one hundred years on, the Ambulance Service now employs over 3,300 staff, operates from 266 different locations across the state, boasts over 800 ambulances, 300 support vehicles, four fixed wing aircraft and tasks nine helicopters.
The people of New South Wales can be justifiably proud of the ambulance service they have built, and the dedicated men and women who continue the traditions of excellence in pre hospital care.
About the Ambulance logo
Information regarding the eight pointed cross within the Ambulance logo.
Archival Unit
The Service's Archival Unit is located at Auburn Ambulance Station and is staffed by officers who volunteer their time to collect and catelogue old ambulance equipment. If you have or know the whereabouts of any old ambulance equipment please contact the Ambulance Protocol Officer on (02) 9320 7798.
Interactive Timeline
Scroll through the images in our interactive timeline to trace the development of the Ambulance Service of NSW. An explanation of each image is available by clicking the highlighted area.
Our Proud Past
Click on any image below to display a larger image with text.
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1880 - 1890 |
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1890 - 1900 |
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1900 - 1910 |
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1910s |
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1910 - 1920 |
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1920 - 1930 |
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1930s |
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1930 - 1940 |
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1940 - 1950 |
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1950 - 1960 |
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1960s |
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1960 - 1970 |
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1970s |
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1970 - 1980 |
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1980 - 1990 |
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1990s |
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1990s |
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1990 - 2000 |
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2000 - 2002 |
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2002 - 2004 |
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2004 - 2005 |
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2006 - 2007 |
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2007 - 2008 |
Proud past – dynamic future. The Ambulance Service of New South Wales has a rich and diverse history, celebrating its centenary in 1995. We have come a long way since, developing into a professional and well respected service with a dynamic future.
Scroll through the images in our interactive timeline to trace the development of the Ambulance Service of NSW.