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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Meet Paramedic Dan
Meet Paramedic Dan
14 September 2024
Meet Paramedic Dan
A personal tragedy, family ties and witnessing the clinical care and compassion shown by Wellington Free Ambulance paramedics motivated Dan to train for a career in paramedicine. Read Dan's story and why he believes “you’re a paramedic 24/7, it becomes part of who you are".
Dan was impressed by the clinical expertise and “weird calm” the paramedics brought to the devastating situation almost 10 years ago.
Dan loves the variety of the work in frontline emergency response, no two days are the same and he thrives on the active environment and sense of comradery and support that underpins the team at Wellington Free.
“Teamwork, communication and common sense are massively important. You’ve got to be really analytical, capable of staying calm under pressure and have the ability to make decisions in an instant,” Dan explains.
More than a job
Like many paramedics, this isn’t just a job for Dan, it's a vocation that “becomes part of who you are”. Paramedic training and the mind-set to go towards people needing help, experiencing their worst moments, is something that extends beyond the official day to day role.
“You do it because you love it – you have the ability to do something for a person when they need help the most. You can positively impact them and our community,” Dan reflects.
Dan has many examples of when he has stepped in and used his clinical skills and experience in our community while not on shift. Assisting at a car crash, responding to a neighbourhood cardiac arrest, helping an elderly woman who had fallen in the supermarket, even assisting with the resuscitation of his newly born daughter are examples of how paramedics are always “on” and ready to be there when needed.
“There is an instant acknowledgement and respect for Wellington Free Ambulance paramedics in our community and the important role we have when an accident or emergency medical event happens,” Dan says.
“It’s crazy hard work, you do things you never thought possible, it’s a sacrifice for your family too, but wearing the uniform, making a difference, nothing compares to it,” Dan concludes.
Right now, we need your help to raise $200,000 this September.
Your donation is vital to ensure Dan and our crews have everything they need to respond when a medical or accident emergency strikes. Please donate today to keep the free in Wellington Free Ambulance.