Calling Business Sector Professionals!

SJA in collaboration with the National Department of Health, NCDPHA and MoPHA is excited to announce a unique opportunity for the working-class heroes in the business communities of NCD and Lae.
We’re launching the Weekend Warrior Ambulance Reservist Program, and you could be just who we’re looking for!

Why Join?

🤝 Make a real difference in your community.
🚨 Support our ambulance services during critical peak times.
👥 Connect with like-minded professionals dedicated to giving back.

What’s Involved?

• Complete basic recruit training over 10 days.
• Volunteer just once or twice a month.
• Manageable volunteer hours: typically, about 6 hours during busy evenings on Fridays or Saturdays.
• Experience firsthand the rewarding world of emergency medical services.

Who Can Apply?

• Must have a Class 6 driver’s license and 3 year’s driving experience.
• Should have completed Year 12 education or hold a university diploma or degree.
• We’re looking specifically for volunteers from the business sector who are employed full-time and ready to step up and serve.
• Remember, this is a volunteer role without remuneration or allowances, but the experience and impact you’ll have are priceless.

👉 Don’t miss this chance to be a part of something bigger. Your skills, time, and dedication can save lives and strengthen our community.

📝 Apply now to become a St John Weekend Warrior! www.stjohn.org.pg/jobs

#WeekendWarriorReservist #CommunityHeroes #StJohnVolunteers #BusinessSectorGivesBack #MakeADifference #VolunteerOpportunity

Background Information

The Weekend Warrior Ambulance Reservist Program (WWARP) aims to help the ambulance service respond to emergencies during the peak periods such as on Friday and Saturday evenings or public holidays.
The WWARP program is your unique opportunity to be trained in life saving skills and engage with your community more deeply while simultaneously enhancing the ambulance service’s operational capacity.

Questions:

St John’s Chief Doctor, Dr Mangu Kendino oversees all of St John’s emergency medical services. As the St John Chief Doctor, Mangu is responsible for making sure all provision of first aid or health care by St John People is done safely, properly and is fully observant of the regulations of the department of health, medical board and other regulatory bodies.

As a reservist, you’ll be providing first aid care to sick or injured people. It’s essential you are properly trained and practice according to St John’s protocols.

Here, Dr Mangu answers many frequently asked questions.

1. What does the training for the Weekend Warrior Ambulance Reservist Program involve?

The reservist ambulance first responder level 2 (AFR2) training course is a comprehensive course. The total course length is 10 days. To be as flexible as possible, the first part of the training is done over an intensive 4 days, followed by another 6 days split over 3 weekends. The training covers advanced first aid, basic life support, emergency driving skills, scene management, using communication systems, crew resource management, and safe ambulance operation techniques.

2. Will I be supervised by a qualified professional?

You’ll need to complete 6 shifts supervised by a fully qualified ambulance officer who’ll show you the ropes. You’ll be assessed on your emergency response driving and application of advanced first aid. If you pass the supervised shifts, you’ll become a qualified AFR2.

3. What does ‘responsible first aid practice’ mean, and how does it relate to my role as a reservist?

‘Responsible first aid practice’ is all about making sure people get the best first aid possible by ensuring you follow St John’s methods, rules, and protocols. As a reservist, your job is to provide safe and effective first aid care to patients, sticking to the training you’ve received and following the protocols and steps we’ve set. This is to make sure that everyone you help is taken care of properly and safely.

4. How many hours am I required to volunteer each year?

As a part of the program, you’re required to volunteer a minimum of 50 hours per year (that’s about 8 shifts a year). This ensures you maintain your skills and contribute effectively to the community.

5. Is there any ongoing training or refresher courses?

Yes, there is a mandatory 1-2 day reaccreditation training each year. This is crucial to keep your skills up-to-date and stay informed about any new procedures or equipment.

6. Will I be provided with a uniform and other necessary equipment?

Absolutely! You will be issued 2 sets of uniform, an ID badge, and all necessary safety equipment. These items are essential for your role and help identify you as a trained and authorised member of St John Ambulance.

7. Can I choose my shifts, and how are they scheduled?

Yes, you can choose your shifts most of the time. Shifts are typically scheduled based on operational needs, especially during peak times on Friday and Saturday evenings. Our regional ambulance team will work with you to find a shift that fits your availability while meeting the program’s requirements.

8. Can I volunteer on other days?

Yes, you can volunteer on other days provided that we have enough ambulances available at the station for you to use.

9. Do I get an allowance for doing shifts?

The Weekend Warrior program is a volunteer program – meaning it isn’t meant to be a paid job. As a weekend warrior, if you are scheduled to a vacant shift that’s on Friday or Saturday, you’ll get a K20 allowance. This allowance isn’t meant to be a salary or wage, it’s just to cover any incidental costs like your transport to and from the station.

However, if you choose to volunteer on an ambulance, you won’t get paid any allowance. Remember, this opportunity is for working class people who have other sources of income and are looking to give back to their community.

Remember, this program is more than just volunteering; it’s an opportunity to learn valuable skills, be part of a team, and make a significant impact in your community.