How the Pidik family’s emergency became a call to action for community support

The Pidik family, like many in Papua New Guinea, never imagined they would one day be dependent on ambulance services.

However, that perception changed dramatically one afternoon at a local park. Their young daughter, Aria, was happily playing when a terrifying accident occurred.

She got caught in a four-person swing, causing her femur – the femur – to snap in half. The femur is not only one of the strongest bones in the body, but it is also dangerously close to the femoral artery.

One wrong move could lead to catastrophic bleeding, putting Aria’s life in immediate danger.

In their moment of fear and uncertainty, the Pidik family turned to St. John Ambulance. Our medics, affectionately known as the Green Angels, promptly arrived on the scene.

With precision and care, they stabilized Aria, applied a special traction splint to manage her injury and transported her safely to the hospital. This quick and expert response not only saved Aria from further harm, but possibly saved her life.

Aria’s story is just one of more than a hundred thousand cases in which Papua New Guineans have depended on our vital Green Angel service.

These moments highlight the vital role St John Ambulance plays in our community, providing essential emergency care and transport when it matters most.

However, the reality we face is challenging. Although the Green Angels receive some government funding, this is not sufficient to meet the increasing demand for our services.

The growing needs of our communities, coupled with the complexity of delivering emergency medical care in various areas, require resources that currently exceed our funding.

This is where the power of community support becomes apparent. Essential fundraising efforts are critical to maintaining and improving the level of service our Green Angels can provide.

Through donations, community involvement and the support of initiatives like the Green Angel Club, we can ensure that our services remain available to every family in need, just like the Pidiks.

By joining the Green Angel Club with a donation of K50, members gain access to benefits such as a free online first aid awareness course, discounts on further training and first aid kits, and the peace of mind of knowing you are contributing to a lifesaving case.

More importantly, it allows us to continue providing free emergency transport and care to tens of thousands of people across Papua New Guinea every year.

The Pidik family’s story is a powerful reminder of the unpredictability of life and the crucial safety net that St John Ambulance provides. It’s a call to action for each of us to play a role in ensuring this safety net remains strong and widespread.

By supporting the Green Angel Club, you are not only donating; you are investing in the health and safety of your community.

Your contribution can make the difference between life and death. Together we can keep our Green Angels aloft, ready to save lives at a moment’s notice. Join us in this vital mission: your support saves lives.

Matt Cannon is the Commissioner of the St John Emergency Ambulance Service in Papua New Guinea and is an Advanced Care Paramedic and a Registered Nurse.