In addition to officially opening their Paramedics Ambulance Department, the National Fire Authority today badged new paramedics at their Suva headquarters.

NFA Chief Executive Officer Puamau Sowane says that the Ambulance Department was originally run by operational officers, and without diligent oversight, government funding was not effectively utilized.

He adds that the aim of the new department is to train more of its professionals to better handle medical emergency situations

NFA CEO, Puamau Sowane adds that it has been the NFA’s aim to establish their new Paramedics department for the purpose of bettering their output

“We had decided to establish this new department as we now have our own manager paramedics that is now heading this department and you can now witness that we have also allocated a portion of the fire station to construct a new center for paramedics. Although we still do not have specialized paramedics, some of our firefighters have undergone training with the Ministry of Health”

The newly establised Emergency Ambulance and the Paramedic Health Services Department seeks to effectively look after victims and firefighters when called on after an accident

“When there is a fire incident, normally we’re the first responders. So, the paramedics will be on standby at the incident site to look after both the fire victim and the firefighters.”

In addition to the 9 ambulances already operational, the NFA looks to bring 6 more paramedic ambulances into the country to help better their services

“Although, it cost a lot, the paramedic ambulance have been designed in such a way that it does not only transport people but also has pre-hospital designs.”

In his closing remarks, Sowane pleads with the general public to take caution during this festive season to avoid any fire incidents from occurring

(Article by: Ruci Ranitu | Intern Journalist)