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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Introducing Graduate Intern: Andrew
Introducing Graduate Intern: Andrew
Knowing Wellington like the back of his hand as well as having a passion for helping his community, is an advantage Andrew brings to his first year on the road at Wellington Free Ambulance.
“I love Wellington; it's my home. To be able to work within my own community, helping those in emergency situations, there is nothing more rewarding than that,” Andrew says.
Andrew joined the team in 2018 as an Event Medic. This gave Andrew the first-aid experience he needed as he worked his way through a Paramedicine degree at Whitireia.
While the first few months on the road as a Graduate Intern were a little nerve-racking, Andrew was still excited; now he's focused on the professional, quality of care he gets to provide patients.
“The degree gives you the foundational knowledge and skills, but the internship is where you take that foundation and tie it to experience. It is a challenge but a welcome one.
“Wellington Free Ambulance really is the best little ambulance service in the world with a strong community focus. Right from the start this is the team I wanted to be a part of.”
Being on the road has been a blast, Andrew explains. “Although no two patients are the same and every day brings something new, it has its moments.
“I remember going to a new-born who was not breathing on its own. The parents were obviously stressed and concerned but to be able to give that baby an opportunity at life, and give the parents a sense of hope and relief as their baby started to breathe was an indescribable feeling.”
For Andrew, every patient makes his job worthwhile, as every patient's emergency is different.
“We are privileged as paramedics to be invited into situations which the rest of the world does not see. It's in those moments where you get to bring a sense of calmness, understanding and care to those who need help.”