About Us

For Mother’s Day this year we’re celebrating a special mother-daughter duo who work at Wellington Free –  Caroline and Caitlin Kane.

When asked who inspires her, Caitlin is quick off the mark.

“My mother,” she says. Asked why, she explains that her mum encouraged her to follow her dreams.

From a young age, Caitlin was encouraged to explore information about medical conditions and terms by her mum, Caroline, thus beginning her love for biology.

“She has inspired me in so many other ways too; like when she went back to study at the age of 36 and finding her dream job in paramedicine, to working her way up the many different roles within her practice,” Caitlin says.

“I wouldn’t have known about opportunities available at Wellington Free if it weren’t for her, so it would be easy to say she inspired me to begin a career here.”

While there isn’t such a thing as a ‘typical day’ for Caitlin or Caroline, both work hard to help patients when they call 111.

As an Emergency Call Taker, Caitlin answers 111 calls for help. She is responsible for managing the call as quickly and efficiently as possible so that help can be dispatched, as well as provide over-the-phone instructions on how to help the patients.

Caroline’s role at Wellington Free is Clinical Paramedic Advisor on the Clinical Desk in our Communications Centre.

She’s striving towards becoming Extended Care Paramedic with Wellington Free’s Urgent Community Care team.

Over the years, Caroline has mentored a couple of experienced paramedics on the Clinical Desk – a skill that came naturally to her; after all, she has been one for Caitlin for years.

Fascinated by anything medical, Caroline says she loves extraordinary jobs with a lot of variety – hinting to her previous career as a Police Officer.

Becoming a Wellington Free paramedic seemed the perfect opportunity to work with people, Caroline and Caitlin explain.

“Seeing mum at work brings me a lot of joy; not only is she a strong parental figure in my life, she’s also my best friend,” Caitlin says.

“And because we share the same employer and have similar jobs, we are able to sympathise better with each other. I also get the perks of pinching her food and not getting in trouble – too much.”

Everyday Caroline and Caitlin face challenging but meaningful work, as they help keep our community safe and well. Something they say they are both very proud of.

Happy Mother’s Day Wellington and Wairarapa.