St John Ambulance

Suspect in ambulance rampage apprehended

He was held by National Criminal Intelligence Unit members and Special Response Unit 108 at Igam Block on Tuesday night after evading arrest. 

The ambulance was attacked on Saturday, November 25th, when responding to a report of an emergency. 

SJA reported that the suspect approached the vehicle with a hammer and inflicted significant damage.

“Based on the information available, we believe the attacker made a false call to the ambulance service to lure the ambulance to the scene,” said SJA.

SJA Council calls for protection of workers

Dame Jean Kekedo, Chair of the National St. John Council, in a media statement, stated that there are no specific laws addressing false calls, hindering officers, or escalating the severity of attacks on ambulance personnel.

This call comes after a suspect, who allegedly made a false call to lure the ambulance, assaulted the vehicle with a hammer, causing extensive damage.

St John receive new ambulance

The donation of this new vehicle is set to bolster medical emergency response in the National Capital District and Central Province, allowing St John Ambulance to continue its life-saving mission.

The vehicle valued at around K170,000 was delivered to St John on June 4, 2023. It is fitted with essential medical equipment and supplies and will play a crucial role in saving lives. 

CEO of SJA Matt Cannon said Ambulance vehicles are fundamental tools that enhance the ability of workers to save lives.

20-year-old survive from chest trauma

Richard Ginamoa, aged 20, sustained a deep chest laceration from a sharp object while making his way back to his remote Bush Mekeo village in the Guari Local Level Government of Kairuku District.

The injury was severe, resulting in a significant opening in the sternum that exposed his internal organs.

He was taken to the Akufa health centre where the staff promptly recognised the complexity of the case and determined that immediate referral to Port Moresby General Hospital was necessary.

Ambulance Ambushed on Magi Highway

The ambulance A075 had completed a medical incident near Gaire village and was travelling back to Port Moresby when caught by the group of men.

The St John Ambulance, Assistant Commissioner for Ambulance Operations, Terence Torea said Police and G4S were notified by the ambulance operation centre and responded promptly.

“The ambulance crew had to reverse, retreat and hide for about one hour,” Torea said.

He said police have promptly brought the incident to hand and have managed the culprits.

Park launches Snakeastic program

The event was launched yesterday. It also includes a partnership with Capital Insurance Group Limited and Theodist.

‘Snaketastic’ is a month-long snake conservation and snakebite awareness event aimed at clearing any myths that circulate about snakes, addressing common fears of snakes, and profiling their importance in the ecosystem.

Sharing his thoughts on the importance of the event, SJA CEO Matt Cannon said snakes and humans share the environment.

“Normally snakes have no interest in humans but sometimes we come across them in our day-to-day lives,” Cannon said.

SJA First Aid Training

The training includes a combination of theory and practical simulations of real-life emergency scenarios. 

The Emergency First Aid Course includes a combination of theory and practical simulations of real-life emergency scenarios.  It teaches a range of first aid skills including CPR, first aid equipment, and alternatives that can be used in rural PNG.

Sil Namora, a third-year Political Science student, and Geita Taviri, a fourth-year Biological Science student at the University of Papua New Guinea were introduced to the SJA Emergency First Aid Course at the event. 

MPs urged to consider SJA partnership

Apart from the nation’s capital, St John Ambulance is operating in Lae as well following an agreement that was signed with the Lae City Authority and Morobe Provincial Health Authority in December 2020.

During LCA’s recent presentation of its annual K500,000 and on top of that, a new fully-kitted ambulance, Poumb appealed to the other Open Members of Morobe Province to consider bringing this much-needed service into their districts as well.

SJA PNG showcase operations

On Friday June 30, 2023, the ambulance service displayed in an Open Day, its internal support system, at the Taurama Aquatic Centre.

Through six stalls, volunteers and employees displayed their knowledge and skills in using sophisticated equipment to sustain life during an emergency.

In less than 10 years, SJA PNG has seen quite a transformation as a fully-fledged Emergency Response organisation under the leadership of CEO, Commissioner Matt Cannon.

SJ Ambulance Stoned

The St John Ambulance crew was heading to an emergency at 7pm on Monday 12th June when the ambulance was stoned at 2-mile in the Moresby-South electorate. The ambulance was responding to a patient injured from a fall.

St John management said when ambulances have lights and sirens on it shows that it is a critical life-threatening priority one case. It said that one or two from a group of men at 2-Mile chose to stone the ambulance when they could have let the ambulance pass.