The National St John Ambulance (NStJA) yesterday officially opened the newly constructed wing of the National Ambulance Education College at Baruni in Port Moresby city. The state-of-the-art facility was made possible through the generous support of ExxonMobil PNG (EMPNG) and coordinated through the National Department of Health (NDoH). The new wing boosts the Ambulance Education College’s capacity by 50%, allowing up to 45 students to train across two classes simultaneously. This modern facility features high-fidelity simulation rooms, practical training spaces, and a simulated ambulance, creating a realistic environment for ambulance students to develop lifesaving skills. The College serves as the foundation of every ambulance officer’s training, where they acquire essential skills and knowledge before embarking on their careers as professional ambulance officers in NStJA stations around the country. NStJA Commissioner, Mr. Matt Cannon also revealed that the College trains registered nurses in advanced ambulance care as part of the Ambulance Clinician Response program, equipping them to deliver high quality care to the most critically ill patients in Port Moresby, Lae, Kokopo, and Mt Hagen cities. It is also where ambulance doctors, HEOs, specialist nurses, and paramedics receive advanced training in life support, critical care, and aeromedical retrieval. “The National Ambulance Education College is the heart of our training programs. It is here that every Ambulance Officer and emergency ambulance professional begin their journey. We deliver recruit training, ensuring that our recruits learn the foundational skills necessary to become competent and reliable emergency responders”, said Mr. Cannon. The College will also serve as the home of the soon-to-be-launched Motu Koita (MKA) Ambulance Cadet program, designed to inspire and prepare young people from the MKA area to become the next generation of nurses, doctors or emergency medical professionals. As the first facility of its kind, the Ambulance Education College is accredited by the Medical Board of PNG to deliver this vital prehospital and ambulance training. EMPNG is also contributing to NStJA by donating ambulances as part of NStJA’s annual fleet management program. Once in place, these new ambulances will be immediately deployed to respond to emergencies in MKA, Central Province, and NCD. Dadi Toka Jnr, Chairman of the Motu Koita Assembly and Deputy Governor of the National Capital District (NCD) commended the development. "This new wing is more than just walls and flooring. It represents a commitment to ensuring that the people of PNG receive the best possible emergency ambulance care," he said. "Through this facility, we are not just training ambulance officers, we are preparing them to serve the community with excellence, professionalism, and compassion. Importantly, we are also preparing the next generation of ambulance officers, nurses and doctors through the Ambulance Cadet Program, which is being pioneered in the Motu Koita area.” ExxonMobil PNG Planning and Contribution Supervisor, Ms. Belinda Gurra said through strong partnerships and shared values, they can archive such outcomes. She further stated that they are proud to support the amazing work the NStJA does and believe that their collaboration witnessed today with the educational centre and the new ambulance will significantly strengthen emergency response capabilities and community health initiatives across NCD, Motu Koita, the Central province and the nation as a whole. Meanwhile, Dame Jean Kekedo, Chair of National St John Ambulance Council emphasized the broader impact of the facility, saying: "This expansion is a key step in enhancing our national capacity to respond to emergencies. The skills learned here will save lives in every corner of PNG, from the highlands to the coast."