By GEORGINA MICHAEL
The National St John Ambulance Council (NStJA) officially welcomed nine new volunteers today at a graduation, which was the first under the Weekend Warrior Ambulance Reservist Program.
They completed the Reservist Ambulance first responder training course, which was approved by the PNG Medical Board and overseen by the Chief Medical Officer of NStJA.
The training equips participants with advanced first aid, basic life support, emergency driving skills, scene management, using communication systems, and safe Ambulance operation techniques. Training was conducted over seven consecutive Sundays between June and July to accommodate the working schedules of the nine participants.
NSTJA interim Chief Executive Office Dr Arabella Koliwan said: “While the Weekend Warrior Program is voluntary and unpaid, the training and responsibilities are taken very seriously. Reservists are fully supervised on duty and are an integral part of NSTJA’s emergency response strategy.
“Their participation will allow the ambulance service to scale up rapidly during peak times ensuring faster response times.
“We thank those that have stepped forward for to participate for volunteering to support the Ambulance services and contribute to serving communities in NCD.
“This marks the first time NSTJA has implemented such a program, and the organization is excited to see it move from training in the classrooms to field on ambulances.
To families, employers and supporters of our Weekend Warriors, thank you for standing behind them, your encouragement makes their service possible,” Dr Koliwan said.
One of the new volunteers, Jeremy John, who works as HR manager with the Finance Corporation Limited, said: “Today marks not just the end of a training program but the beginning of a new legacy being a pioneer Weekend Warrior.
“We thank St John Ambulance for igniting our purpose and equipping us with the essential lifesaving skills.
“This journey had pushed us physically, mentally and emotionally and through all of that we have emerged stronger more united and be part of what we have represent and what we’re about to represent in our families, organizations and communities to know how to respond to and what to do in an event that an emergency happens.
“We are not just Reservist, we are a force of resilience, ready to support and serve our nation with, trust, respect, passion, accountability, courage and honor. We are wearing this uniform, not just with pride but with humility knowing we now serve as protectors in times of crises and problems.”
The Weekend Warrior Ambulance Reservist Program reflects the National St John Ambulance Council’s commitment to innovation, community involvement and responsive health care delivery.
The NStJA council congratulated the new volunteers and said it was seeking partnerships with business houses and other organisations to get more volunteers to become Weekend Warriors.
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