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Vanessa always wanted to be a paramedic so she was over the moon when she was given the opportunity to join Wellington Free.

“It felt like the three years of hard work had all paid off,” Vanessa says.

“I was so excited to further my knowledge and skills with fulltime work and experience, and to rack the brains of those around me! After wanting to be a paramedic for more than eight years, it was a dream come true.”

But over the years, Vanessa explains that it was her mum’s encouragement and support that kept her going.

“Mum helped me apply for scholarships for the degree, and was a huge support throughout my studies. She would call me after every shift on the road to ask how the day was,” she says.

“She’s amazing and I’m so thankful for her.”

Vanessa also says everyone at Wellington Free were welcoming and really encouraging.

With Jane Borrell as her mentor, and the rest of her Green Shift crew behind her every step of the way, she knew Wellington Free was an organisation she wanted to be a part of.

“Jane has been phenomenal. With a brain full of experience and wisdom, she has taught me an insane amount; plus we get on well and have loads of fun on the road.”

“She goes above and beyond for patients and their families, and I aspire to practice with as much kindness and compassion as she does.

“The whole green shift team have been amazing and so willing to answer questions and to push me to think outside the box and get outside my comfort zone – even at 3am.”

Vanessa says no day is ever the same.

“We might start and finish at the same station, but everything in between is extremely variable. This is one of my favourite things about the job; it keeps you on your toes and makes the day exciting!”