CEO calls on residents to protect ambulance

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Matt Cannon

PEOPLE should be active in protecting ambulance officers and health workers who arrive in their communities to help during emergencies, St John Ambulance commissioner Matt Cannon says.
He said in over 24 hours of New Year celebrations, there were five occasions of cowardice – people throwing objects or stoning ambulances.
Cannon said in one such act, a large rock smashed through the window of an ambulance, injuring a staff on board who required treatment at the Port Moresby General Hospital.
He said it was estimated that around K30,000 worth of damage was caused to five ambulances on New Year’s Eve.
The attacks occurred at Kaugere, Sabama, Hohola four, Burns Peak, Biotou (in Central) and Joyce Bay.
“If you get violent or do stupid things when drinking alcohol, don’t drink,” Cannon said.
“These five instances are unacceptable, disappointing and abhorrent attacks carried out by cowards.
“These attacks were previously very rare, but they have been increasing lately.
“This is abhorrent behaviour that reflects poorly on the entire community.
“Family members need to be taking responsibility for the behaviour of their youths in their area.
“Attacking ambulance officers trying to bring aid to people is unacceptable.
“This is low.
“Every day, around the city, our officers are entering dangerous situations, but we are protected by brave members of the community who intervene to protect our officers.”
However, Cannon said, on New Year’s Eve, the community was not there to stop the attacks taking place.
“We are disappointed that community members were not proactive in preventing such anti-social behaviour in their communities.”
Cannon thanked the police and Black Swan security who responded to the ambulance officers’ distress call.
According to a reporter, who was on board the ambulance, they had slowed down near the Bill Skate Oval to avoid driving into broken and old furniture thrown on the road when someone ran up to the bus and threw a huge rock through the glass.
“Unfortunately, the rock broke the glass of the bus and hit the St John employee who was seated near the glass window,” the reporter said.
The National was at the scene and observed cuts to the employee’s mouth and eyebrow, another paramedic attended to the injured employee.

3 comments

  • If the abuse and reckless behaviors continues in that community on the ambulance officers, than I suggest withdraw your services from these communities. Until the community can assure their safety to save lives in the community. Other wise stop attending to their request for help…
    It is a reflection on the community leaders who cannot control and assist their youths to understand what is important to protect, it doesn’t mean the St John ambulances officers only but other Papua New Guineans and their property too.

  • Just get rid of the settlements, Fullstop!. Breeding grounds for criminals and unemployed youths, who does nothing but thrive on home brew, petty crimes and lawlessness.

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