History

The NSW Ambulance logo has, since 1920, featured a Maltese cross at its centre.

While the logo has evolved over time, the Maltese cross has remained as a representation of the humanitarian role of the staff working in the Service.

The four arms of the cross traditionally represent Faith, Justice, Temperance and Fortitude

The eight points of the cross traditionally represent chivalric values which have been interpreted to represent the skills and qualities of NSW Ambulance clinical staff.

• Observation – noting the causes and signs of injury
• Tact – without thoughtless questions, learning the symptoms and history of the case, and securing the confidence of the patient and bystanders
• Resource – using resources to best advantage to prevent further damage and “assist nature’s efforts to repair the mischief already done.”
• Dexterity – handling patients without causing unnecessary pain and use equipment efficiently and neatly.
• Sympathy – giving real comfort and encouragement to the suffering.
• Perseverance – continuing efforts if not at first successful.
• Discrimination – deciding which of several injuries should be treated first
• Explicitness – giving clear instructions to colleagues, patients and bystanders on the best course of action and how to assist.

The Maltese cross originated back in the eleventh century in Jerusalem where a group of monks who had traditionally treated sick pilgrims in their city, started supporting the thousands of crusaders traveling to Jerusalem via Constantinople.

These ‘Knights of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem' (as the monks were officially called) were required to go onto the battlefields and tend to the sick and injured. For that they needed to dress in armour and wear a symbol to indicate they were healers so they weren’t attacked.

They chose the cross of Calvary as their symbol. Their selfless actions - as what we’d call today first responders – resulted in their symbol becoming the most honourable badge worn on a uniform.

After the fall of Jerusalem in 1187, the knights started safeguarding the routes taken by medieval pilgrims and eventually came to Malta in 1530 where they were established for nearly 300 years. They became known as Knights of Malta, building numerous hospitals and healthcare facilities across the Mediterranean.

Their cross of Calvary continued to be decorated and inscribed by their admirers, evolving into the Maltese cross which we use today.

In 1895 in Sydney, the first Ambulance Bearers wore a red cross to signify their humanitarian role. In 1920, at the first meeting of the NSW Ambulance Transport Service Board the Maltese cross was confirmed as the symbol for the Service.

The design has further evolved in the decades that passed since this meeting, now culminating in the symbol NSW paramedics wear today; the symbol through which we identify ourselves as an organisation.