Attack on ambulance delays crew

A ST John Ambulance crew was attacked in the early hours of Sunday morning while responding to a woman in labour at Gaire, Central.
The patient, a pregnant 20-year-old, needed immediate medical assistance and transportation to a hospital.
The attack delayed the ambulance reaching the patient and a second ambulance from Port Moresby had to be sent out.
St John chief executive officer Matt Cannon said delays caused by attacks on ambulances only resulted in those needing medical care not being taken to hospital sooner and this could have tragic consequences.
“St John Ambulance service operates the only such public emergency medical service of its kind in the country,” he said.
“Our ambulance crews, nurses, paramedics and doctors are dedicated emergency professionals.
“They have families too.
“They risk their lives daily with the sole aim of helping Papua New Guineans in their time of great need.
“Such attacks are unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”
Reports note that a group of armed men pursued the ambulance in a PMV bus, inflicting damage to the driver’s window and the ambulance’s wind screen.
The ambulance crew initiated the duress call button and were attended to by security.
The crew were advised to seek refuge at the Kwikila Police Station and wait there for further assistance from the police and security personnel.
The matter is being investigated by local police.