Port Moresby, 24 October – The National St John Ambulance Service, accompanied by National Department of Health Emergency Medicine Physicians, has officially launched its Ambulance Clinical Practice Protocols as a smartphone App today, marking a significant step forward in supporting high-quality prehospital care across Papua New Guinea. The development of this app was made possible by the generous donations raised by the staff of Deloitte Australia and the Port Moresby offices during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the past, the ambulance field guide and clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) had to be printed, which was both expensive and difficult to keep up to date. Every time changes were made, new protocols had to be reprinted. The new Ambulance Field Guide and CPG App now makes it possible to have up-to-date protocols directly in the hands of ambulance staff.
The App, which operates on any modern Android smartphone, provides clear, medically approved instructions for managing a wide range of emergency conditions, simplifying the delivery of care. All guidelines are pre-approved by a panel of specialist emergency physicians, ensuring high standards of clinical safety and effectiveness.
For doctors and paramedics, the new App includes an advanced medical care section, offering more detailed guidelines for advanced medical procedures.
Commissioner Matthew Cannon OStJ, Chief Executive of the National St John Ambulance Council, extended his heartfelt thanks to Deloitte PNG for their invaluable support.
“The generous contributions from Deloitte’s staff and partners have been instrumental in the successful launch of this app. The App plays a crucial role in strengthening clinical governance and enhancing the safety of prehospital care across PNG.”
Mr Herbert Maguma, Office Managing Partner for Deloitte PNG, expressed gratitude to the National St John for their significant contribution to building safer and healthier communities.
“We are proud that the support from our Deloitte team has helped make this app possible, enabling the ambulance service to deliver high-quality emergency care, free for all Papua New Guineans.”
While the app is principally for use by trained national ambulance staff and PHA ambulance reservists, it is also available for free on the Google Play Store in Papua New Guinea. This means registered health professionals can access it as a valuable point of reference, subject to their own organisation’s clinical governance. It is also expected to be available on the Apple App Store in the coming weeks.
“The launch of the Clinical Practice Guideline smartphone app marks a significant step in the digitisation of healthcare,” said Minister for Health, Hon. Elias Kapavore.
“I commend the National St John Ambulance for spearheading this important innovation. The Government and the Health Department stand ready to support any future initiatives you pursue in advancing healthcare.”
The National St John Ambulance Service recognise Hato Hone St John New Zealand for sharing their clinical resources which have been used as the base of these PNG focused CPGs.
