By GEORGINA MICHAEL
Twenty-six officers from the National St John Ambulance (NStJA) graduated today, marking an important milestone in strengthening Papua New Guinea’s pre-hospital emergency care workforce.
The Ambulance Officer Level 1 graduation was officiated by the Governor-General of Papua New Guinea, His Excellency Grand Chief Sir Bob Bofeng Dadae, and the President of the National St John Ambulance Council.
The officers completed four months of intensive training at the National Ambulance College in Baruni. Their training covered classroom learning, realistic emergency simulations, practical clinical training, physical conditioning, and leadership development to prepare them for frontline ambulance service.
Delivering the keynote address, His Excellency Grand Chief Sir Bob Bofeng Dadae congratulated the new officers for dedicating their lives to serving humanity.
“There are many careers a person can choose, however answering a call during someone’s most vulnerable moment is a remarkable responsibility,” Sir Bob said.
“Your work will save lives, your compassion will bring comfort, and your professionalism will strengthen the trust that Papua New Guineans place in the National St John Ambulance.”
He commended the work of the National St John Ambulance Education Centre and the organisation as a whole for delivering high-quality, non-profit emergency medical care and related services.
“I encourage our partners and stakeholders in both the public and private sectors to continue investing in the National St John Ambulance to ensure that these essential services remain strong, sustainable, and accessible to every Papua New Guinean who may one day need them,” he said.
Representing the NStJA Council, Deputy Chair Dr. Lynda Sirigoi officially welcomed the new officers into the National St John Ambulance.
She reflected on their four months of training and said their decision to serve others is a calling that demands not only knowledge and skill, but also compassion, integrity, and humanity.
“As the governing body of the National St John Ambulance of PNG, the Council is entrusted with ensuring that this organisation remains strong, accountable, and sustainable for future generations. One of the greatest investments we can make is in our people,” Dr. Sirigoi said.
“Every graduate seated before us today represents the future of ambulance services in PNG. Through the commitment and dedication of your educators, that future becomes stronger with every graduating cohort,” she said.