The largest wholly voluntary rescue and disability support organisation in Austria
The main mission of the Order of MALTA is to care for our fellow human beings with humanity, compassion and respect. Helping those in need, alleviating suffering and offering the comfort of Christian charity to others has been our mission for over 900 years. The 2000 or more voluntary members who, in accordance with their Christian beliefs, give up their free time outside of work and their studies in order to help others, make a valuable contribution to Austrian society.
Medical service
Our highly trained paramedics and emergency doctors provide first aid and professionally run ambulance services using modern, well-equipped emergency vehicles. Members of the Order of MALTA are not only medically and practically trained to the highest standard, they also know the importance of human warmth and affection, which is a vital element in providing the best possible care for patients.
Social services
Personal commitment and respectful support when working with the sick, the lonely and those with disabilities are very important to members of the Order of MALTA. The loving care we show to patients supplements the treatment they receive in public
First aid
In Austria, everybody is required to be able to perform first aid. As a state-approved medical aid organisation, the MALTESER Hospitaldienst offers high-quality, practical first aid courses which prepare people for situations in which they might be required to provide first aid, and teach the basics of life-saving emergency measures.
Disaster relief
The MALTESER Hospitaldienst is integrated into the contingency plans of the states and state capitals Vienna, Graz, Salzburg and Innsbruck. In the event of major incidents, the MALTESER Hospitaldienst can make resources available within a very short space of time. It participates in disaster relief operations both in Austria and abroad.
The Sovereign Order of MALTA
Over 900 years of helping others
In 1048, Gerhard Tonque, who was later made a saint, set up a hospital in Jerusalem for needy and sick pilgrims in the Holy Land. From this brotherhood emerged the Order of MALTA, which dedicated itself to combating the eight forms of suffering symbolised by the Maltese Cross: illness, hunger, debt, faithlessness, homelessness, loneliness, neglect and unkindness.
Today, the Order of MALTA has 13,500 members worldwide and well over 100,000 volunteers providing humanitarian aid to more than 15 million people in need all over the world, according to the teachings of the order's founder. We help people regardless of their ethnic origin, religion or political views.
The Order has been active in Austria since the 12th century and has set up numerous initiatives. In 1956, the MALTESER Hospitaldienst was set up to care for Hungarian refugees fleeing to Austria. There are now around 2000 volunteer members of the Order of MALTA working in Austria, and Giving help wherever it is needed.
