About Us

Brendan began his journey with Wellington Free Ambulance in 2016, as a volunteer Event Medic, generously giving up his weekends to look after people in our community. Event Medics are the people you’ll see supporting community events across the Greater Wellington and Wairarapa region. They attend all sorts of events, ranging from concerts to big sports games, marathons and more. 

 To be a volunteer, Brendan was trained in first aid and CPR in order to be able to provide back up emergency paramedic care. It felt like a natural decision for Brendan to sign up for the Bachelor of Health Science (Paramedic) course at Whitireia.

 The three-year programme is designed to prepare students for practice as paramedics. “The programme had multiple sides to it,” says Brendan. “One side was doing the practical assessments and skills. On the other side there were writing assignments to do as well. I found the writing assignments most challenging because I am more of a practical learner, but once I figured out how I learnt and my formula for writing then I was right into it.”

 “I really enjoyed interacting with our tutors and learning from their experiences because they are all amazing, experienced paramedics.”

 When Brendan found out he had got a job with Wellington Free Ambulance he said he felt an amazing feeling of accomplishment and achievement. “I had been working toward this goal for a long time,” says Brendan.

 Brendan has really enjoyed working with Flight Paramedic David Huntley, his preceptor (mentor) and has already learnt so much on the job.

 "Brendan is working hard on developing the skills required in this ever-changing field of medicine,” says David. “It’s been great to see him soaking up knowledge and learning from each patient contact."

Brendan’s work colleagues have been a real highlight of the job. “The team I work with could not have been more welcoming. Everyone is willing to help each other out when they need it. I feel really supported,” says Brendan   .

 In Brendan’s role, no two days are ever the same. “On a typical day we could see up to ten patients, all with different types of medical conditions or situations that may have occurred. It could be an elderly patient who may have broken their hip in Paraparaumu and then our next patient could be a short of breath 2 year old in Lyall Bay. I have loved meeting such a wide range of people and helping them in their time of need,” says Brendan.

 “Getting this job means a lot to me because it doesn’t feel like I’m going to work and I guess that’s everyone’s dream,” says Brendan.

 If you, or someone you know, are interested in learning more about what’s involved in becoming a Paramedic, click here.