SJA OFFERS FREE FIRST AID TRAINING TO PUBLIC TRANSPORT DRIVERS

The National St John Ambulance (SJA) Service is now offering FREE community first aid training for taxis and bus drivers in Port Moresby city. There are a total of seven sessions in which SJA service will be provided starting from the 11th to the 17th of December 2024 and for each session will have a total of thirty (30) to forty (40) that will be able to take part. This first aid training is divided into a number of guidelines aimed at ensuring that each taxi and bus driver is equipped with the much-needed information that they must acquire:

DRIVERS AS COMMUNITY RESPONDERS Taxi and public bus drivers are critical to our road transport system and often Encounter accidents and medical emergencies.
EMPOWERING DRIVERS WITH LIFESAVING SKILLS By equipping them with essential first aid skills, they can assist during the crucial Initial moments of an emergency, act as the ambulance service’s eyes and ears in the community, call for help, and provide first aid care until the ambulance arrives. This proactive approach can save lives and improve outcomes in emergencies.
PROMOTING SAFER COMMUNITIES NATIONWIDE This initiative contributes to safer communities and builds public confidence in the Transport sector. Beginning in the National Capital District and expanding nationwide Ensures maximum impact in fostering a culture of preparedness and care.
COLLABORATION WITH THE ROAD TRAFFIC AUTHORITY (RTA) We have consulted with the Road Traffic Authority (RTA) to ensure alignment with National transport priorities and community safety objectives before launching this Initiative.
A NATIONAL MANDATE FOR COMMUNITY SAFETY We undertake this initiative as part of our mandate and responsibility through the National Department of Health to improve health outcomes and foster preparedness in communities across Papua New Guinea.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Commissioner of National St John Ambulance, Mathew Cannon, stated that the taxi and bus drivers are on the frontlines of the road network and are often the first to encounter emergencies. “By equipping them with lifesaving first aid skills, we are not only empowering them to make a difference but also fostering safer, more resilient communities.” “This initiative reflects our commitment to serving the public and working in partnership with stakeholders like the RTA (Road Transport Authority) to improve health outcomes across the country.” The training will be held at the National St. John Ambulance Education College, Baruni. Registrations to join this training program will close tomorrow Tuesday 10th of December 2024.