The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of National St John Ambulance Service PNG, Kai Tane, has highlighted key achievements and future priorities during the presentation of the 2025 service report.

Speaking at the headquarters along Taurama Road in Port Moresby, Tane revealed that in 2025, the ambulance service received 88,731 emergency calls through its national operations centre, dispatching teams to more than 38,000 incidents nationwide.

He said lifesaving first aid advice was also provided over the phone while ambulances were en route, underscoring the critical role the service plays in emergency response across Papua New Guinea.

The organization also trained 11,670 people in first aid through schools, workplaces and community programs, while 35 clinicians received specialized resuscitation training to strengthen the broader health system. Tane described these efforts as essential in building nationwide capacity to respond to emergencies.

Looking ahead, Tane announced plans to expand services into Unggai-Bena District in Eastern Highlands Province, with one ambulance already operational and a second unit set for deployment. He said the expansion would improve response times, create jobs and extend life-saving services to previously underserved communities.

He also called for continued government and partner support, noting that increasing demand, an ageing fleet and limited rural coverage remain ongoing challenges.

"Every kina invested into this service is a kina invested in the health and safety of our communities."

Tane further urged Parliament to pass an updated St John Bill to modernize legislation dating back to 1976 and strengthen the legal foundation of the service.

"PNG deserves a world-class ambulance service, and every person in this country deserves to know that if they call 111, someone's coming."

Tane concluded by acknowledging frontline staff and volunteers, saying their dedication ensures Papua New Guineans can rely on timely emergency care whenever they call.