THE Green Angels from the National St John Ambulance Service (NStJA) ambulance pushed through overcoming an attack on one of theirs crew, ensuring that they responded to every request from the community for help during the New Year operation.
During the festive season, eighteen ambulance crews were on duty daily across four provinces—National Capital District, Central Province, Morobe Province, and East New Britain.
From 6:00 PM on New Year’s Eve to 6:00 AM on New Year the ambulance crews attended to 81 emergency incidents, providing critical care in situations ranging from motor vehicle accidents, respiratory issues, childbirth complications, gunshot wounds, snakebites and burns.
“Physical altercations accounted for 26% of the incidents we responded to,” said Duty
Operations Commanding Officer Johell Tewi.
Tewi described the trauma emergency calls as sporadic in the early evening but noted a surge in emergencies after midnight.
Among the most alarming incidents was an attack on an ambulance crew near the 9
Mile Morobe Block while they were transporting a mother in labour to Port Moresby
General Hospital from 14-Mile.
“A rock was thrown at the ambulance, shattering the rear window and injuring the
mother. The woman sustained cuts from the shattered glass. An emergency stop was
made at the Gordon’s Police Station where she was transferred to another ambulance,
for continued treatment and transport to the hospital.
Johell described the night as demanding and applauded the Green Angels for their
resilience.
“We thank the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary for their critical support and
security, which enabled the crews to safely reach and assist those in need,” he said.
He also issued a call to action for local leaders to advocate for the safety of ambulance
and emergency workers in their communities, emphasising the importance of
protecting those who dedicate themselves to saving lives.
