St John Receives 3K Calls In A Month

St John’s Ambulance Fiji has averaged about 289 COVID-positive retrievals in the last two months during this pandemic.

Chief Executive Officer Ema Bovoro said this does not include retrievals for non-COVID patients.

Since the current outbreak of COVID-19, she said they have received about 3000 calls for ambulances in a span of one month.

While speaking at the handing over and commissioning of four All Terrain ambulances from St John New Zealand yesterday, St John’s Council Member Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces Rear-Admiral Viliame Naupoto said their current fleet is fully engaged in the fight to save lives during this COVID-19 pandemic.

The four new ambulances will add to St John’s national capabilities to save lives.

Commander Naupoto thanked all staff of St John for their sacrifice as they have been camping at Headquarters away from their families to ensure that St John services remain uninterrupted during this outbreak.

New Zealand High Commissioner to Fiji, Jonathan Curr said support to frontline workers has been a key feature of the NZ government’s assistance.

In close coordination with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, he said they have responded to requests for medical consumables, personnel and equipment.

“Partnerships like this are very important. We can join together to be stronger and work faster to meet one goal,” Mr Curr said, adding that the donation amounts to about $500,000 worth of assistance.

“The real heroes here today are all of you working in the area of First Response. All the support you’re giving to citizens of Fiji as we deal with this outbreak. You’re the ones who get the call in the time of need, who work odd hours and all hours.”

The NZ government hopes that their support will make a difference in the day to day operations of St John.

Edited by Losirene Lacanivalu

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