Ten officers from the National Fire Authority’s Emergency Management Service (EMS) are currently undergoing specialized training in Taiwan, following a memorandum of understanding signed with the National Fire Agency of Taiwan. During the signing ceremony, NFA Chief Executive Officer Puamau Sowane expressed optimism that these officers would receive training from leading experts in emergency medical technician and pre-hospital care.
Sowane shared that the National Fire Authority has transformed from being primarily a medical transport department to establishing a dedicated paramedics department, which is a vital step towards enhancing emergency response services in Fiji. Over the last five years, the ambulance services accounted for only 26 percent of the total call volume, with 74 percent of calls unaddressed due to inadequate resources and training, as well as a lack of public trust in the service.
“This collaboration will fundamentally change the framework of our EMS system,” Sowane stated, adding that they expect public confidence in the services to grow significantly over the next five years. He highlighted the rapid advancements in Taiwan’s EMS since the 1960s, noting that their evolution serves as a valuable model for Fiji’s development of effective emergency medical responses.
The training being provided in Taiwan will cover essential skills and strategies for emergency response and rescue techniques. This partnership is poised to bolster the capabilities of Fiji’s firefighting and medical response teams, ensuring they are better equipped to handle emergencies and ultimately safeguarding the community more effectively.
This initiative reflects a hopeful outlook for the future of emergency services in Fiji, as international collaboration enhances local capabilities and systems, paving the way for improved public health and safety standards.
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