NCD festive emergency planning
Emergency services and partner agencies have begun joint planning to strengthen emergency responses and support public safety across the National Capital District during the Christmas and New Year period.
National St John Ambulance PNG (NStJA) hosted an initial briefing and operational planning exercise on Wednesday, 28 October, bringing together representatives from PNG Fire Service, NCD Police, the National Capital District Commission and Port Moresby General Hospital.
The meeting laid the groundwork for a joint taskforce to coordinate emergency, health and security support throughout the festive operations period.
The planning exercise followed the SMEAC framework (Situation, Mission, Execution, Administration and Command) to help agencies develop a shared understanding of potential risks, responsibilities and coordination arrangements.
NStJA Commissioner and Chief Executive Kai Tane said the festive period was traditionally a busy time for emergency services, with increased gatherings and celebrations bringing greater potential for alcohol-related incidents, medical emergencies, fires, injuries and other public safety concerns.
“These risks require close cooperation between emergency services and the health sector.
“National St John Ambulance hosted this first meeting to bring agencies together, and we are happy to work with our partners to strengthen emergency preparedness and coordination over the festive period.” Tane said.
Commissioner Tane said planning also needed to consider the potential for hot and dry conditions to place additional pressure on emergency services.
Through the joint taskforce, participating agencies will work towards coordinated coverage, with each contributing personnel and resources according to its role and operational responsibilities.
The next meeting will seek wider participation from emergency, health and security agencies, including the PNG Defence Force, NCD Provincial Health Authority and the Department of Health’s PNG Emergency Medical Team.
Close coordination between responding agencies and health facilities will be essential to supporting timely responses, appropriate patient care and safe incident management.
The joint planning process aims to strengthen readiness and ensure agencies are prepared to support communities across the National Capital District throughout the Christmas and New Year period.