Pacific Islands Society for Emergency Care reaches important milestone in coming together to serve the region
- mwratten3
- Jun 30
- 4 min read
The Pacific Island Society for Emergency Care (PISEC) has reached an important milestone holding it’s first inaugural meeting from the 5th to the 6th of June in Nadi, Fiji.
Attended by emergency care clinicians from across the Pacific and Timor-Leste, the meeting was officially opened by representatives of the Fiji Ministry of Health and Medical Services, and featured a keynote address from Dr Amelia Latu Afuhaamango Tuipulotu, Chief Nursing Officer of the World Health Organization.
In her opening remarks, Dr Amelia emphasised the significance of the regional network in influencing global approaches to emergency care:
“There is a Tongan concept known as ‘si’i kae hā’ - “small yet significant”. Although the Pacific is small in population size compared to other countries, Pacific clinicians have the potential to make unique contributions and influence global health policy at the highest levels to better serve humanity”
Images: Invited guests attend the opening session of the inaugral PISEC Meeting on 5th of June 2025 in Nadi, Fiji Following from its inception in 2018 and registration as a non-governmental organisation in 2024, PISEC aims to provide a platform to share knowledge, discuss challenges, and inspire pathways for developing and enhancing emergency care in the Pacific.
The society is inclusive of all emergency care clinicians. This recognises the importance of all cadres of health workers, across pre-hospital and facility-based care, to the delivery of services and achievement of universal health coverage. Nurses made up a significant number of in-person attendees and new member registrations, with PISEC committing to ensure that their Executive membership maintains strong nursing representation.
Throughout the first day of the meeting, leaders from across the region presented this work across PISEC’s key strategic pillars linked to the World Health Organization’s Emergency Care Systems Framework.
Session one focussed on leadership and governance in the Pacific. Presentations were provided regarding lessons from the establishment of Emergency Medical Teams (EMTs) in Papua New Guinea, strategic leadership in critical care nursing development in Fiji, the experience of women in leadership in Samoa and reflections on mentoring experiences in Solomon Islands.
Images: Session one speakers (L-R): Dr Garry Nou (Papua New Guinea); Praneel Shankar (Fiji); Dr Gane Simbe (Solomon Islands). (Not pictured: Video address from Anevili Maiava (Samoa).
The second session, addressing systems and processes, included presentations highlighting strategies for sustaining ambulance services in Papua New Guinea, treatment of shock in Tonga, management of pre-hospital services for COVID-19 in Fiji, and emergency department protocols in Cook Islands.
Images: Session two speakers (L-R): Dr Arabella Koliwan (Papua New Guinea); Dr Pafilio Jr Tangitau (Tonga); Dr Ilikini Naitini (Fiji); Naibuka Natuna and Dr Ko Ko Lwin (Cook Islands).
Session three, which highlighted workforce capacity and training, incorporated presentations about continuing education for emergency clinicians in the Federated States of Micronesia, establishment of first responders in Fiji’s National Fire Authority, training of emergency care practitioners in Vanuatu and strengthening of emergency care capabilities in Timor-Leste following COVID-19.
Images: Session three speakers (L-R): Dr Ratu Jone Cakobau (Federated States of Mirconesia); Selaima Tuisavuna (Fiji); Dr Richie Ala (Vanuatu); Dr Abrao Antonio Gusmao Freitas Belo (Timor-Leste).
The fourth and final session of the day provided presentations on data and research, including presentations on nursing emergency response capacity in Tonga, the electronic medical registration system for the emergency department in Kiribati, critical care training in Tuvalu, and incident management and training for the Pacific Games in Samoa and Palau.
Images: Session four speakers (L-R): Mapu Kauhalaniua (Tonga); Dr Eria Tabutoa (Kiribati); Dr Anthony Motuloa (Tuvalu); Dr Rachel Aurung (Palau). (Not pictured: Video address by Dr Belladonna Potoi (Samoa).
The book of abstracts from the day is available for download here:
On day two, the first in-person regional meeting presented an opportunity for members to consult and finalise the society’s constitution as well as a strategic emergency care framework that will strengthen the healthcare system in the Pacific.
The group strives to be the driving force behind enhancing emergency care capabilities throughout the Pacific region, with a focus on addressing the unique healthcare challenges that necessitate regionally coordinated solutions. This effort will help ensure universal health coverage across Pacific communities.
Speaking on the importance of this first meeting, President of the Society, Dr Pai Enosa, noted the journey that members have been on together to reach this important milestone and the importance of moving forward together:
“The dream has finally come true” he said. “We are here and together we will move forward as one.”
Dr Silina Motofaga, Team Leader of the Clinical Services Program at The Pacific Community, who supported the event and provide support to Pacific clinical organisations and networks, echoed this sentiment. “It is encouraging to see the fruition of our discussions over the years. We must take ownership of this initiative and strengthen emergency care to empower our future leaders. This will ultimately improve service delivery and enhance the quality of care at every level of the health system and within our communities.”
PISEC is welcoming the registration of new members from throughout the region as they work to finalise their constitution and commence annual meetings.
For further queries on PISEC please contact secretary Shanistika Shivalni via email: shanistikashivalni@yahoo.com
The meeting was supported by partners from across the region including the Pacific Community, the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine, Saint Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne’s Pacific Health Fund, and the Regional Emergency and Critical Care Systems Strengthening Initiative, which receives funding from the Australian Government through the Partnerships for a Healthy Region Initiative.
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