St John NT is bringing its occupational violence prevention work together under Safer Frontlines, Stronger Communities, a coordinated approach connecting frontline training, operational systems, physical security, staff welfare and community partnerships.
Between January and August 2026, St John NT recorded 88 occupational violence incidents in Alice Springs affecting 140 personnel. These included 33 physical assaults, 35 incidents requiring police attendance and damage to eight ambulances.
Independent demand analysis found ambulance demand in Alice Springs increased 51.4 per cent between 2020 and 2025, adding to operational pressure on local crews and compounding the impact of occupational violence on workforce wellbeing and service capacity.
St John NT Director Ambulance Services Sam Kellick said the work needed to address risk at multiple points.
“Occupational violence is a complex issue and no single measure will address it,” Mr Kellick said.
“That is why we are bringing this work together across training, dispatch, operational practice, staff support and community partnerships.
“We cannot control every situation our paramedics enter, but we can strengthen the systems around them, reduce their exposure to risk and support safer decisions without changing their fundamental role as clinicians who are there to help.”
Following an independent safety and security review, St John NT has progressed practical measures with Alice Springs crews, including:
- Pre-scene and team-based dynamic risk assessments
- Windshield assessments before entering a scene
- Positioning ambulances to maintain safe exit routes
- Clearer staging and tactical withdrawal practices
- Earlier use of distress alerts and escalation pathways
- One clinician treating while the other maintains situational awareness where required, and
- Stronger preparation for volatile and uncontrolled environments.
Emergency Communication Centre and operational processes are also being strengthened to improve the communication of known risks, consideration of police support or dual dispatch, and support for crews to stage or withdraw when risks cannot be controlled.
The frontline changes build on the adaptive safety practices already used by experienced crews, making them more consistent and teachable across the workforce, particularly for newer staff and interns.
St John NT Regional Manager Southern Abbey Studley said the wider approach was strengthening support around crews at every stage of a high-risk response.
“Our paramedics need practical tools they can use in the moment and confidence that their safety decisions will be supported,” Ms Studley said.
“If a crew asks for help, we provide help. Our responsibility starts before they arrive on scene, continues throughout the incident and does not end when the scene is cleared.
“This is about recognising risk earlier, acting before a situation escalates and making the safest decision the supported decision.”
Post-incident measures include welfare contact, debriefing, injury management and formal review of what worked and what needs to change.
Work is also underway to embed safety practices in procedures, training and vehicle-based prompts, alongside planned station security improvements.
“We are strengthening the protections around our crews, but responsibility for violent behaviour remains with those who perpetrate it,” Ms Studley added.
Alongside these measures, Safer Frontlines, Stronger Communities includes proactive community partnership and prevention.
Aboriginal people experience a disproportionate burden of ill health, and St John NT provide care to Aboriginal patients every day across Central Australia. Local Aboriginal leadership, cultural knowledge and trusted relationships are therefore important to facilitate safer, more effective care.
St John NT is working with Tangentyere Council, Aboriginal organisations, Elders and community leaders on locally informed education, cultural safety and safer access to emergency care.
“Operational controls are essential, but prevention also requires strong local relationships, clear communication and community understanding of what crews need to provide care safely,” Ms Studley said.
A visible part of this work will be the recently announced Saving Lives artwork by local artist Curtis Haines, which will feature on ambulances and community safety materials across Central Australia.
Safer Frontlines, Stronger Communities brings together practical frontline protections, stronger operational systems, staff support and community partnership and prevention, with work underway in Central Australia helping inform improvements across the Territory.
