Today at 09:16, St John received a 111 phone call for a MVC at Somare Circuit, Waigani.
A 25-seater had collided with a 10-seater vehicle with multiple people injured.
St John sent a total of six ambulances, two Specialist Paramedics and three Operational Commanders to the incident scene.
St John treated and transported 11 injured patients to PMGH, at least 8 of these in serious or critical condition.
Some of the injuries amongst patients included serious head injuries, pelvic fractures, spinal and limb fractures.
At least one patient had an arterial tourniquet applied by ambulance officers at the scene to stop catastrophic bleeding from his injured arm.
An infant was taken to PMGH prior to ambulance arrival and another patient refused transport or assessment.
St John Ambulance further commended the security officer who immediately placed an unconscious person into the recovery position (rolling them on their side).
This positioning most likely saved the person by keeping their airway open.
To the police, security and public who kept the scene safe and stood back – ST John Ambulance extended thanks for giving our ambulance officers space to savim laif.
Their message today to the community: “If your PMV has a seatbelt, wear it — it may save your life.”
“If your PMV doesn’t have a seatbelt, if possible get on one that does.”