Aussies give St John a lift

St John Ambulance has boosted its emergency services for Apec by bringing in five Australian volunteers.
Emergency physician and director of aeromedical services Bobby Wellsh said this was to recognise Prime Minister Peter O’Neill’s intention for Apec to have minimal impact on the local health system.
He said St John had worked closely with its Australian counterpart organisation to provide highly-experienced paramedics to support the Papua New Guinea team during Apec events. Wellsh said St John’s plan had always been to invite the assistance of highly-qualified Australian paramedics to meet the number of skilled workers required for Apec events, including almost 60 paramedics needed for leaders’ week.
These five Australian specialist paramedics are being deployed at the third Apec senior officials’ meeting (SOM 3) that is currently underway in Port Moresby.
“The Australian contingent is working with a growing team of PNG counterparts to ensure the highest level of paramedic and ambulance expertise during the major event,” Wellsh said.
“Apec is so large that we need all hands on deck.
In the lead-up to the leaders’ week summit in November, St John has been focusing on increasing its local workforce with over 100 ambulance officers and nurses already recruited and trained.
“They will work alongside the 60 Australian paramedics during the summit.
Wellsh said training paramedics was not something that could be achieved overnight.
“Paramedics are required to complete a minimum three year degree in paramedicine at university, followed by at least one year’s residency training with the respective statutory ambulance service,” he said.
“Degree-qualified nurses with experience in a critical care setting have a fast-track option to become a paramedic. This can still take up to two years of training, including post-graduate certificates and a one-year residency.”