About Us
We are the only emergency ambulance service in greater Wellington and the Wairarapa, and the only ones in the country who are free.
We are the only emergency ambulance service in greater Wellington and the Wairarapa, and the only ones in the country who are free.
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Here for you then, here for you now
Here for you then, here for you now
10 April 2020
Today we mark 52 years since the Wahine disaster on 10 April 1968, New Zealand’s worst maritime disaster. Wellington Free Ambulance responded to this unprecedented event transporting 228 patients to hospital; 140 from the Wahine and 80 from storm related incidents on land.
Responding to an exceptional volume of incidents at both sea and on land, our courageous staff and volunteers, saved many lives with their heroic rescue efforts.
With a well-trained crew we were able to redeploy swiftly and effectively in response to a constantly changing pattern of events.
Today we again face unprecedented times due to COVID-19 and just as we did during the Wahine disaster, we continue to respond flexibly and decisively.
To ensure we keep our patients, staff and community safe, we have made a few changes.
When you call 111 and ask for an ambulance, you’ll now be asked some additional questions regarding flu like symptoms for you or anyone in your household. Please bear with us as this will help us understand the best care and response for you.
Our paramedics will also now arrive wearing face masks, gloves and other personal protective equipment. Please don’t be alarmed, this simply to keep everyone safe.
Despite these changes, we continue to operate in the same way you’re familiar with and have been for the last 92 years.
Wellington Free rallied together 50 years ago to save lives and this continues to be our focus today.
Our community is at the heart of everything we do.