The Saint John Ambulance Association, Ministry of Health and Medical Services and the First Volunteer Responders Unit are recipients of emergency equipment worth $400,000 from Australia.

The equipment was handed over by Australian based emergency services training organisation, Heroes Need Heroes at the Fiji Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Services Centre in Vatuwaqa, Suva on Tuesday.

Minister for Health and Medical Services Rosy Akbar received the donation which included uniforms, protective equipment, ambulance kits and rescue gear.

During her address Ms Akbar said Fiji’s ambulance services lacked modern and reliable equipment.

“A reliable and efficient ambulance service plays an important role in any health system and Fiji in no exception,” Ms Akbar said.

“While we are all familiar with ambulances responding to emergency calls, blue lights flashing and sirens blaring, we should recognise that ambulances also play a part in ensuring that patients with mobility problems are also accommodated,” she said.

“I want to emphasise the need for those who will be the custodians of this equipment to take pride in what you are receiving, to treat it as you would treat any other treasured gift, and to ensure it is kept safely and in good condition.”

Meanwhile Heroes Need Heroes founding President Michael Fawcett said his team had been working with various groups in Fiji the last four years and have also donated equipment in the past.

“I think everyone shares the same vision to improve the services of emergency response in Fiji,” Mr Fawcett said.

“Over the last week we’ve trained over 40 staff in first response in Lautoka and Suva,” he said.

“We’re very confident that these officers are capable to provide high standard emergency response services.”

“We are planning to have a formal training programme with the Fiji National University specifically designed for first responders to set a base of qualification. From there we hope to upgrade to certificate, diploma and bachelor training,” he said.

The Australian Government has supported this project through a donation of AUS$20,000  (FJD$32102  ) through its direct aid programmme.

Edited by Karalaini Waqanidrola

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