The National Fire Authority (NFA) has officially inaugurated its Paramedics Ambulance Department, marking a significant milestone in emergency response services in Suva. During the ceremony at their headquarters, new paramedics were awarded their badges, highlighting the expansion of the NFA’s capabilities.
According to NFA Chief Executive Officer Puamau Sowane, the previous ambulance operations were managed by operational officers, but lacked adequate oversight, which led to inefficient government funding usage. With the establishment of the Paramedics Department, the NFA aims to enhance the training of professionals dedicated to managing medical emergencies more effectively.
Sowane emphasized the importance of the new department, which is now led by a dedicated manager paramedic. A portion of the fire station has been allocated for the construction of a paramedics center. Although the organization does not yet have specialized paramedics, some staff members have completed training with the Ministry of Health.
The Emergency Ambulance and Paramedic Health Services Department aims to provide care to both victims and firefighters at incident sites. In fire emergencies, paramedics will be available on standby to assist those affected.
Currently, the NFA operates nine ambulances and plans to acquire six additional paramedic ambulances to further improve their emergency services. As Sowane noted, these ambulances are specially designed for both transportation and pre-hospital care, even though they come with significant costs.
In light of the upcoming festive season, Sowane urged the community to exercise caution to prevent fire-related incidents, underscoring the NFA’s commitment to safety and well-being.
This development illustrates a proactive approach to improving emergency services, ensuring that communities are better prepared for medical emergencies. The establishment of the Paramedics Department signifies a positive step towards enhancing public safety and health support.
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