About Us

Wellington Free Ambulance has two new graduate intakes each year employing people who have just graduated from either Whitirea in Porirua or AUT in Auckland.  Recently the recruitment drive has extended to new graduates from across the ditch with several people from Victoria and New South Wales making the move to New Zealand specifically to work with Wellington Free.

Looking back Sam recalls Whitirea as a brilliant place to learn paramedicine, whilst much of the study and learning is focused on the clinical side of the what a paramedic is expected to deal with Sam also see’s being able to relate to people as a hugely important part of the job.

“A major part of a paramedic's job is communicating and essentially just having a chat. Taking away all of the complicated medical knowledge we have to learn, we still have to build a rapport and talk to the patient. So one of our most important tools we have as paramedics is our ability to be able to communicate with people” explains Sam.

Sam was attracted to apply for a role with Wellington Free due to the high regard in which the organisation is held as well as the values driven service provided to the people of Greater Wellington and Wairarapa community.

“One of the privileges paramedics have is to be able to enter someone's home, help them when they are vulnerable and at the end of the day have made a different in their lives. Because Wellington is where I grew up I am able to make a difference in my own community” reflected Sam.

New graduates coming into the Wellington Free team are partnered with a preceptor/mentor to guide them and support them during their internship year as they make the transition from classroom to on the road.

“The internship has been a fantastic learning experience, being surrounded by fantastic people who are willing to help teach and look after you is an awesome environment to be in.  There have been jobs which have been full on and been mentally taxing. However, these moments are over shadowed by the moments when I have been able to leave a positive mark on my patients.” Said Sam.

COVID-19 has changed the way in which all of health care has been able to deliver their services over the past 18 months with PPE becoming a standard precaution rather than only used in exceptional circumstances. 

“It is so important that we take every precaution to protect people in their homes as much as we can during an outbreak, and protect ourselves.  I know from experience people feel reassured when we turn up to help them no matter what the situation, it is so rewarding to know my work makes a difference.”  Believes Sam.

As an essential health service Wellington Free Ambulance recieves the majority of our funding from Government, however we still need to fundraise over $7M each year from the community to ensure services can remain free of charge.  Your donation today will ensure paramedics like Sam are able to be here for you and your community.

If you’re interested in becoming a paramedic, visit the Whitireia website to learn more about their Paramedicine programme.