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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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National Volunteer Week: Kerry
National Volunteer Week: Kerry
25 June 2021
There’s so much you can gain from being a volunteer, explains Kerry. From on-the-job experience to providing a sense of purpose, she says it is about the passion not the money.
Our Event Medics are at the heart of our community work. They cover a variety of sporting and community events, concerts, and more every single week, and even back up our front line crews in emergencies.
This week we celebrate our incredible volunteers as part of National Volunteer Week 2021.
Around seven years ago, Kerry says she started looking for a new hobby and a way to give back to her community.
“I have been volunteering with Surf Life Saving New Zealand for six years, and Wellington Free since last July. I’ve never looked back,” Kerry says.
Kerry is an Event Medic at Wellington Free Ambulance and Patrol Captain for Maranui Surf Lifesaving Club.
“I feel it [volunteering] is so good for the soul and you feel you are a part of your city and community.”
Volunteering with Wellington Free and Surf Life Saving New Zealand has both supported and pushed Kerry in terms of career progression.
“I’m currently studying a Bachelor of Health Science at Whitireia so I can become a paramedic. Over the last few years I’ve been able to learn and practice new first aid skills under supervision from some great paramedics and other first responders.
“I have very much enjoyed meeting people at Wellington Free and Surf Life Saving New Zealand; it feels like being part of a family. I’ve learnt from both organisations and the skills are also transferable.”
Being part of Wellington Free Ambulance and Surf Life Saving New Zealand is important to Kerry.
“Wellington Free is such an iconic part of living in Wellington and people here are grateful to have a free ambulance service. If I ever need to use the service, I know I will get the best care; it’s a 10/10 service.
“Seventy-four people drowned in New Zealand waters last year alone, so educating people on water safety is so important. Being at a beach and swimming between the flags, you know the right people are looking out for you if something were to go wrong,” she says.
Fancy joining Kerry and the Event Medic team? If you’re interested in volunteering with Wellington Free Ambulance can find more on our volunteer page.
If you’re keen to help your community, we would love to hear from you.