In an emotional and inspiring graduation ceremony organised by ProMedical’s National Manager Angileeta Devi, six team members of ProMedical were recognised for successfully completing the Diploma of Paramedical Science.
The six graduates are Pascal Nakou, Celine Eliab, Jerome Sese, Yvong Toa, Philimon Kampai and Georges Jack.
Speaking by video link from Australia to open the graduation ceremony, which was held at Chantillys on the Bay Hotel on Wednesday evening, 24th November, Vanuatu Emergency Services Association (VESA) chair, Douglas Patterson, congratulated the graduates and thanked the many people and organisations who assisted in this achievement.
“To the graduates I would like to say that obtaining your diploma is not only a great achievement for yourselves; it is something that your colleagues, your families, your friends, your communities and your country should be proud of. We know that in the coming years, Vanuatu’s public health sector will benefit from what you will be able to contribute.”
“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 ProMedical 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 High Commission, Vanuatu, Australian Government who provide clinical instructors through the Australian Volunteers Program. Many of these AVI volunteers have been not only great mentors, but also friends to our team as they developed their skills.”
The VESA chair also thanked Julie Johnson from Emergency Australia, an Australian-based registered training organisation. “Julie put in an amazing amount of time and effort to assist with these studies. The hours of additional help that Julie and Emergency Australia provided to assist the students to achieve success far exceeded our initial agreement with them.”
The VESA chair also thanked Julie Johnson from Emergency Australia, an Australian-based registered training organisation. “Julie put in an amazing amount of time and effort to assist with these studies. The hours of additional help that Julie and Emergency Australia provided to assist the students to achieve success far exceeded our initial agreement with them.”
An uplifting speech was given by VESA board member Dr Basil Leodoro who reminded the graduates that this milestone was only the beginning for them.
Another highlight of the evening was a short film describing the work of the graduates which featured several heartfelt tributes from patients who have benefitted from their emergency care.
Another highlight of the evening was a short film describing the work of the graduates which featured several heartfelt tributes from patients who have benefitted from their emergency care.
Commenting on this milestone for ProMedical, P&O Cruises Australia President, Sture Myrmell, said the cruise line and its guests felt incredibly proud knowing they had helped nurture a new generation of medical professionals to help with the continuing development of ambulance services in the region.
“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,” Mr Myrmell 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,” Mr Myrmell said.
National Manager Angileeta Devi said that, “This means the graduates have the formal qualifications to assess and help patients in an emergency, including providing life support, outside of a hospital setting. This ensures ProMedical can continue providing the community with reliable and international standard pre-hospital emergency services.
“Throughout their studies, the team completed theoretical online training with Emergency Australia as well as practical training and assessments under the oversight of clinical instructors and ProMedical managers.
“We are incredibly proud of each and every one of these team members who are the future of paramedicine professionals in Vanuatu. They have all worked hard to develop their knowledge and practical skills as emergency medical technicians to serve their communities in Port Vila and Luganville.”
