P&O’s Pacific Partnership Helps to Introduce the Next Generation of Ni Van Paramedicine Professionals


Tuesday, January 11, 2022

Following valuable contributions to P&O Cruises Australia’s guest-funded Pacific Partnership program, ProMedical Vanuatu has proudly congratulated six team members for officially graduating as highly skilled emergency medical technicians in a special awards ceremony.

Celine Eliab, Yvong Toa, Georges Jack, Jerome Sese, Pascal Nakou and Philimon Kampai were recognised with a graduation ceremony in Vila for successfully completing the Diploma of Paramedical Science.

The two-year Diploma means the graduates have the formal qualifications to assess and help patients in an emergency, including providing life support, outside of a hospital setting, ensuring ProMedical can continue providing the community with reliable and international standard pre-hospital emergency services.

Douglas Patterson, Chairman of Vanuatu Emergency Services Association (VESA), ProMedical’s governing body, said the organisation was proud of what the team had achieved.

“We are incredibly proud of each and everyone of these team members who are the future of paramedicine professionals in Vanuatu,” Mr Patterson said.

“They have worked hard to develop their knowledge and practical skills as Emergency Medical Technicians to serve their communities in Port Vila and Luganville.

“VESA would like to acknowledge our donors and sponsors, specifically P&O Cruises Australia and their guests on this occasion for sponsoring the studies of eight students since 2017. Their commitment to the development of Ni-Vanuatu paramedicine professionals will continue to directly improve the health outcomes for the people of Vanuatu.

“This commitment is also shared by the Australian Government through the supply of clinical instructors through the Australian Volunteer Program who have been not only great mentors but also friends to our team as they developed their skills.”

Sandy Olsen from P&O Cruises Australia said the homegrown cruise line’s guests should feel incredibly proud knowing they’ve assisted in nurturing a new generation of medical professionals to help with the continuing development of ambulance services in the region.

“We want to thank our loyal guests for their ongoing support in working with us to give back to the communities in the South Pacific Islands which have been so warmly welcoming P&O’s fleet for nearly 90 years,” Ms Olsen said.

“Today’s remarkable graduates will not only help improve the lives of families in the community but will leave a lasting legacy on the medical teams and services for many future generations to come.”

The Diploma was achieved through an Australian-based registered training organisation called Emergency Australia.

Throughout their studies, the team completed theoretical online training as well as practical training and assessments under the oversight of clinical instructors and ProMedical managers.