The National St John Ambulance (NStJA) Service has welcomed 18 new volunteers after they completed its Batch 9 volunteer training program.

The volunteers completed three days of Advanced First Aid training from July 1 to 3 alongside four existing full-time staff members, bringing the total number of participants to 22.

The graduates received their Advanced First Aid certificates during a ceremony at the National St John Ambulance headquarters in Port Moresby on August 28.

Since completing their training, the volunteers have begun supporting various areas of the organization, including administrative teams, the National Ambulance Operations Centre, and community and public events.

Some volunteers are also completing the onboarding process to support the Fleet and Logistics team as drivers, while others have expressed interest in pursuing careers as ambulance officers.

National St John Ambulance Commissioner and Chief Executive Kai Tane congratulated the graduates and thanked them for choosing to serve their communities.

“By choosing to volunteer, you have made a commitment to give your time, energy and skills to help others.”

“Volunteering with an ambulance service requires compassion, discipline, courage and a willingness to learn. It means being prepared to step forward when help is needed and serving others with professionalism and respect.”

Tane encouraged the volunteers to uphold the organization’s values of People, Learning, Unity and Service as they continue their journey with St John.

“Every person within our organization, whether a full-time staff member or a volunteer, contributes to our mission to deliver trusted pre-hospital care and strengthen community health through partnership, training and culturally appropriate, evidence-based practice.”

“Your contribution matters, and we are grateful that you have chosen to serve alongside us.”

“To our new volunteers: welcome to the Green Angel family. Serve with compassion, remain humble, support your team and take pride in the positive difference you can make in the lives of others.”

Meanwhile, Tane also acknowledged the Event Health Services team, instructors, mentors, and staff who supported the volunteers throughout their training and onboarding.

The National St John Ambulance volunteer program provides Papua New Guineans with opportunities to develop practical skills, support ambulance service activities and contribute to their communities.