Certified fire-fighting public servants graduate

Staff from the Department of Personnel Management (DPM), alongside officers from various government agencies, graduated after successfully completing a vital Fire Emergency and First Aid Training held at the Central Government Office in Waigani.

The training, organized by the DPM was aimed at equipping public servants with critical life-saving skills to ensure they were better prepared to handle fire-related emergencies and respond effectively in times of crisis.

The graduation ceremony marked more than the awarding of certificates—it was a celebration of commitment to safety, responsibility, and preparedness in the workplace.

Participants underwent comprehensive sessions that covered the fundamentals of fire—how it starts, spreads, and the safe and effective use of fire extinguishers.

Under the guidance of the PNG Fire Service officers, attendees also practiced emergency response drills and learned how to handle real-life scenarios with confidence and speed.

“These are not just technical skills—they are life-saving skills,” Deputy Secretary Policy & Reforms Ellision Kalimet emphasized during the event.

“In times of crisis, every second counts.

And it is people like you—trained and ready—who make the difference.”

The training also highlighted the importance of integrating first aid into emergency preparedness, with a focus on immediate care for burns, injuries, and managing safe evacuations.

“Fire safety and first aid go hand in hand,” Mr Kalimet said.

“Every workplace should prioritize these skills as part of its duty of care to employees and the public. Participants were reminded that with their new certification comes a responsibility—to be ambassadors of safety within their respective agencies. Graduands were encouraged to promote awareness, inspire others to take part in future trainings, and help build a culture of preparedness across the public service.

“Your dedication and proactive approach to workplace safety will contribute to safer, stronger, and more resilient government offices throughout Papua New Guinea,” said Mr Kalimet.