Twenty paramedics from New Zealand will make their way to Samoa in October to lend a helping hand to local personnel in hosting the biggest conference the nation has ever held. 

Additionally, six ambulances from the St. John’s Brigade New Zealand will be on standby in various venues and accommodations where the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) will be held. 

The detail of assistance from abroad was confirmed by CHOGM co-chair for the Health and Emergency Sub-Committee, Tanuvasa Petone Mauga in a recent press conference. 

Tanuvasa who is also the Commissioner for the Samoa Fire and Emergency Services Authority (S.F.E.S.A.) said they are prepared and have the resources to accommodate CHOGM and the daily needs of the public. 

He said each venue and accommodation for the heads of government will have a clinic with a doctor, nurse, paramedic, EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) and a first aider from the Red Cross stationed in the areas. 

A CHOGM ward at the Moto’otua National Hospital will be up and running for high-level delegates to be transferred for medical attention if needed. 

Tanuvasa assured there are enough ambulances to go around to the venues and accommodation and still have one to respond to the general public. 

He noted 14 venues and accommodations in total and as a requirement from the Commonwealth, each site needs to have an ambulance, a clinic and required medical personnel. 

St. John's will bring in six ambulances, the hospitals have six ambulances and S.F.E.S.A. has another five. 

“So there are 16 ambulances and 14 will be stationed at the venues, another ambulance will be with the motorcade which means we are prepared in terms of resources and vehicles,” said Tanuvasa. 

“Even for paramedics, we are getting assistance from New Zealand for this service.” 

In addition to the local doctors, the United States Army Reserves doctors and medical personnel will assist at the medical clinics and hospitals.