The fall of Rome led to a fragmented Europe, but first aid knowledge endured—carried forward by religious and military orders. During the Crusades, the Knights Hospitaller created some of the first organised hospitals and provided care for soldiers and pilgrims. They bandaged wounds, administered herbal remedies, and tended to the sick—especially those injured in conflict.
Their enduring legacy can be traced to the Order of St John, which would later give rise to St John Ambulance in the 19th century.
Meanwhile, monastic infirmaries acted as proto-hospitals across Europe. Monks tended to villagers using herbal lore passed down for generations, preserving medical texts and techniques that might otherwise have been lost.
Lessons from the Past:
Compassion, preparation, and community care were the cornerstones of medieval first aid—principles that still hold true.
Today at Puzzled Training, we believe first aid is a community responsibility. That’s why we offer free courses to grassroots and local groups—ensuring lifesaving skills are never out of reach.