MCG appoints Event Aid to run event day first aid services

After almost a century of service, the St John Ambulance has lost the right to provide emergency medical assistance at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, with the Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) announcing that Event Aid has been chosen as preferred supplier of event day first aid services for the next three years.

With the MCC having moved to a commercial contract for emergency health services in 2011, Event Aid won what was described as a “very thorough and transparent” tender process “involving a wide range of assessment criteria.”

The statement from the MCC continued “we appreciate the long-standing involvement of St John Ambulance Victoria at the MCG (and) we acknowledge their support and thank them for the contribution made to the health and safety of our patrons and staff over many decades.”

It added “the decision to change first aid provider was not made easily. However, our priority must always be the health and safety of our patrons.

“Event Aid demonstrated a superior ability to satisfy our requirements with respect to processes, management, reporting and resourcing at major events. It has a wide range of experience in the events and venue industry and we look forward to working with them.”

The MCC also acknowledged that it would be possible that MCG event hirers, such as AFL and Cricket Australia, may still engage St John for player medical services, as the tender only relates to patron services.

The decision by the MCC sparked some negative comments in Melbourne media, with St John, which has helped thousands of partons at the historic ground since 1922, enjoying considerable empathy for its brand.

St John Chief Executive Stephen Horton, in a written message to staff, described the decision as a “huge loss” and expressed “disappointment” at losing the MCG contract “at this iconic venue after such distinguished service by our volunteers for so long”.

Horton added “this is a huge loss to our organisation after 93 years of service and I know that like me you will be very disappointed with this development.

“I wish to thank everyone who has attended the MCG over the years and provided care to many thousands of patrons, saving lives and making the MCG a safe place to go, our service and care has been exceptional.”

MCC Communications Manager Shane Brown went on to tell media “Event Aid has been chosen for its superior ability to satisfy our requirements with respect to processes, management, reporting and resourcing at major events.”

EventAid are committed to providing modern, fresh, and professional first aid, medical and safety services. Its team is comprised of experienced staff that come from various customer service, event planning, and related operational backgrounds, including a number of former St John Ambulance staff.

Click here to contact Event Aid via their entry in the Australasian Leisure Management Supplier Directory.

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