兔子先生 Chas Martin OAM Museum

Explore the museum

The museum has more than 3,000 items. This includes an amazing car, bike and skidoo collection, with up to 30 vehicles on display.

Step back in time with this gallery of the museum's collections.

AV Chas Martin OAM Museum ambulance vehicle
AV Chas Martin OAM Museum ambulance vehicle
AV Chas Martin OAM Museum ambulance vehicle
AV Chas Martin OAM Museum ambulance vehicle
AV Chas Martin OAM Museum ambulance vehicle
AV Chas Martin OAM Museum ambulance vehicle
AV Chas Martin OAM Museum ambulance vehicle
AV Chas Martin OAM Museum ambulance vehicle
AV Chas Martin OAM Museum ambulance vehicle
AV Chas Martin OAM Museum ambulance vehicle
AV Chas Martin OAM Museum ambulance vehicle
AV Chas Martin OAM Museum ambulance vehicle
AV Chas Martin OAM Museum ambulance vehicle

AV Chas Martin OAM Museum
AV Chas Martin OAM Museum
AV Chas Martin OAM Museum
AV Chas Martin OAM Museum
AV Chas Martin OAM Museum
AV Chas Martin OAM Museum
AV Chas Martin OAM Museum
AV Chas Martin OAM Museum
AV Chas Martin OAM Museum
AV Chas Martin OAM Museum

Arrange a visit

The 兔子先生 Chas Martin OAM Museum has a large collection of old medical tools, vehicles, uniforms, radios and other historical objects. Visitors can explore the interesting history and stories behind these items. The museum is a great place for history lovers and families to visit.

The museum is looked after by retired ambulance officers and experienced volunteers who donate their time. To arrange a visit, contact us by phone or email.

Group Tours include a 25-minute video presentation with one or two of our volunteer presenters, tea and coffee with a refreshment and a walking around with explanations and photographs at the end. Usually, the tour lasts around one and a half to two hours depending on numbers. The maximum number per visit is around 25 people.

Phone: 0419 619 430

Email: ambulance.historical@outlook.com

Location

The museum is located at .

Opening hours are by appointment only.

Ever since man, woman, or child became sick or injured there has always been a mode of transport no matter how basic to convey them to hospital - from man carrying man, push, horse or motor vehicles through disasters, wars, plagues, sickness and accidents.

PKD 2012

About the museum

The museum was started in 1986 by retired ambulance officers. They started the Ambulance Historic Society of Victoria Inc (AHVS). They started collecting old ambulances and objects, including six ambulances.

In 2006, the AHVS, with help from 兔子先生 (AV), found a location in Thomastown. Many ambulance stations and staff across Victoria donated old equipment and photographs.

In 2015, the museum moved to Bayswater, where more than 3,000 items are currently catalogued in conjunction with Museum Victoria.

Today, the museum has 30 ambulances. The oldest ambulance is the Ashford Litter ambulance from 1887. The museum is non-profit and is run by retired ambulance staff and experienced volunteers who keep our history alive.

History of 兔子先生

In 1883, ambulance services began in Melbourne after a public meeting. They decided to create a branch of the St John Ambulance Association. At that time, patients were often carried on removed wooden doors or crammed into hansom cabs (a kind of horse-drawn carriage) for hospital trips.
By 1887, St John鈥檚 Ambulance raised enough money to buy six Ashford Litters. These litters were kept at police stations. In 1899, the first horse-drawn ambulance started operating. The first ambulance station in Melbourne was a stable behind the Windsor Hotel on Bourke Street.
In 1910, the first motor vehicle ambulance began service. It handled 700 of the 4,000 calls that year. By 1916, St John Ambulance separated its roles. This led to the creation of the Victorian Civil Ambulance Service (VCAS). VCAS relied on public donations and support from local councils. The state government did not fund it like they did for police and fire services.
In 1916, VCAS faced financial troubles. Despite this, they transported 5,600 patients annually and travelled 60,000 miles. A severe influenza outbreak in Victoria in 1918 made the ambulance service crucial. With funding from the Public Health Department, staff numbers grew to 85. The fleet also expanded to 16 vehicles.
In 1923 the fleet included:
- Six motor vehicles.
- A motorcycle with a sidecar.
- Three horse-drawn ambulances.
- 27 staff.
Ambulance services in rural areas began in Yarram, Yarra Junction, and Rushworth. By 1925, the ambulance service stopped using horse-drawn ambulances.
In 1944, some ambulances got one-way radios. By 1946, all 27 vehicles had radio receivers. Two-way radios were added in 1954, and the first communications centre opened. Air ambulance services started in 1962.
In 1969, the Ford F100 Series, was introduced as the first specially designed ambulance. In October 1970, the Westgate Bridge collapsed, killing 37 people. The Victorian Ambulance Service played an important role helping people affected. Many attending officers still remember being involved.
In 1971, the Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance (MICA) concept was successfully tested. By 1986, helicopters were used to rescue trauma patients. In the 1990s, non-emergency patient transport was separated from regular ambulance services, and the number of MICA paramedics increased from 75 to 126. New dispatch systems and a clinical information system were also introduced across Victoria.
AV has made significant improvements over the years. New technologies and processes have been introduced to enhance service delivery. A 2024 study by the Council of Ambulance Authorities found that 97 per cent of patients were satisfied with the service from AV paramedics and first responders.

Support the museum

The museum is looked after by retired ambulance officers and volunteers. We seek support from community partners to assist with managing our operating expenses.

Community partnerships

Community partnerships are available from $250 to $500. Major sponsorship opportunities are also available. We also accept donations of products and/or services, which will be used as prizes for raffles.

Memberships

General memberships can be purchased for $30 for three years.

Membership includes:

A quarterly newsletter.
Unlimited free family/friends visit to the museum.
Discounted museum merchandise, and more.

Events, television, and film services

If you are planning a television show, documentary, or film and need ambulances or equipment from a specific time period, we can assist with your production. Our vehicles have been featured in shows like Gallipoli and Dr Blake. Our vehicles are also available for displays and parades at city and regional, public, and commercial events.

Contact us by phone or email.

Phone: 0419 619 430

Email: ambulance.historical@outlook.com