Papua New Guinean woman, Joyce Mettakaisava's experience with the Australian Defence Force (ADF) Pacific Sports Program became more than just training—it became a life-saving moment.

Eighteen months ago, Ms Mettakaisava attended an ADF first aid course in Papua New Guinea (PNG), where she learned essential emergency response skills.

She later put those skills into action when a colleague needed urgent medical assistance.

"I was able to use what I learned, and I'm proud to say that I helped save a life," Ms Mettakaisava said.

"That person is now alive and well.

"A life is something you can't replace."

She recently reunited with Warrant Officer Class 2 Michael Allison, the trainer who first taught her those skills, during an ADF sports training course in Port Moresby.

"Seeing Michael again was really special," she said.

"After the first session, I ran up to him and said, 'Thank you from the bottom of my heart, you gave me the confidence to help someone when it mattered most.'"

Beyond first aid, Ms Mettakaisava also completed the sports trainer course and Level 1 coaching certification through the program.

She plans to use her training to support PNG AFL development in Lae.

"I've grown a lot from this experience," she said.

'Being a woman in a male-dominated sport has made me more confident.

"I'm not the same person I was before. Now, I can take these skills home and share them with others."

Warrant Officer Allison recalled Ms Mettakaisava's eagerness during training and was proud to see her apply those lessons in a real situation.

"She fully engaged in both the first aid and sports trainer courses," he said.

"The training covered CPR, treating fractures and dislocations, managing allergies and asthma, and handling wounds."

"It's one thing to teach someone first aid, but to know that it directly saved a life—that's the best outcome you could hope for."

He also noted how Ms Mettakaisava had grown in confidence since they first met.

'As soon as she saw me this week, she made sure to tell her story," he said.

"When she stood up in front of 58 participants to express her gratitude, it was clear how much she had developed as a leader."

The ADF Pacific Sports Program ran from March 3 to 8, 2025, in Papua New Guinea.

Delivered in partnership with the NRL, AFL, Sports Medicine Australia, and the Federation of International Touch Football, the initiative included school visits, coaching and referee training, sports trainer certification, first aid education, and fitness programs.