About us

Whilst most people know that a large part of what our paramedics do is around emergency care and taking people to hospital, the reality is much more than that. They provide all levels of care and attend a wide range of emergencies on a daily basis. Our paramedics are qualified to do some of the same things as GPs, emergency department doctors and even midwives. They work 11 hour days and 13 hour nights, shifts are busy and sometimes non-stop. Read Nick’s story for a glimpse of what one day on the road holds in store for him and his colleagues.

Nick arrives at Johnsonville station at 6:30am, the half-eaten dinner on the kitchen table suggests it’s been a busy night shift. It’s the first day of a new shift cycle for Nick and he’s looking forward to his day. He’s also looking forward to the homemade burger he’s got for lunch!

Nick’s mentor Isaac is away on annual leave but Rodney steps in to cover and within the hour they’re called to their first job.

A seven year old has been having ongoing seizures. While seizures are not uncommon they can be dangerous if they last for prolonged periods of time. A second crew arrives at the same time, with a highly skilled intensive care paramedic on board. Between the four crew members a decision is quickly made to transport the youngster to hospital. Nick says ‘”despite the seriousness of the patient’s condition everyone is incredibly calm and between administering treatments the team take the time to reassure the patient’s mother about what’s happening and what’s going to happen next”.

After leaving the hospital Nick and Rodney are off to Miramar. A 111 call was made by a member of the public concerned a man was unconscious by the side of the road. On arrival they discover the patient is safe and well. “He decided to make the most of the weather and was lying in the sunshine” says Nick. After a brief discussion with Police everyone agrees the man is no danger to himself or the public. He declines their offer of a medical assessment but they do remind him to apply sunblock.

From Miramar its straight to Maupuia after a runner collapsed. Due to the heat and physical exertion it’s likely the patient has suffered from heatstroke, however a thorough assessment is required as there could be a number of reasons why he is unwell.

An electrical reading of the man’s heart indicates he may have an electrolyte imbalance.  He has low blood pressure and is very pale so is given intravenous saline to increase his circulatory volume. Nick says the patient is slightly agitated, normal for people who experience altered levels of consciousness. “We don’t take this personally, just repeatedly reassure him that he is in the ambulance and is safe” says Nick.  During transport to hospital the patient’s condition slowly improves and by the time he arrives at the Emergency Department many of his neurological functions have begun to return to normal.

It’s still only morning and the team are on their way to their fourth job of the day.  Sudden dizziness and chest pain from a man working on a boat is their next port of call.  Nick and Rodney carefully climb aboard conscious of the expensive equipment they hold combined with their closeness to the tide! With the information they have available it’s difficult to determine if the man’s symptoms have been caused by a chemical reaction or an unidentified heart problem. “To be safe we treat it as a cardiac problem and take him to hospital for blood tests. You only have one heart and it’s best to look after it’” says Nick.

Once they‘re away from hospital it’s 1:40pm and time for their first 30 minute break at Newtown Station. Nick’s been looking forward to his homemade venison burger all morning and it’s everything he hoped it would be! Nick uses the rest of his break to brush up on his knowledge of pain relief medications. “There are many unknowns when it comes to medicine and medical decisions often come down to current research combined with a risk vs benefit analysis, so you’ll often find paramedics reading research articles and textbooks” says Nick.

As soon as lunchtime is over the team are back to Miramar to help our flight paramedics attending a dislocated shoulder.  Attempts to relocate the patients shoulder on scene are unsuccessful so with the help of some analgesic gas and a three point sling Nick and Rodney transport him to hospital where additional treatment options are available.

At 3:30pm it’s time for break number two and a chance to catch up with other crew. “We manage to grab a bit of downtime and watch a few minutes of television. Quiz shows are popular among ambulance staff.  Passionate advice is often directed towards the TV’s contestants and we all end up being a pretty knowledgeable bunch!” laughs Nick.

Before long they are off to their next patient. They visit a healthcare facility to see a woman struggling with poor mobility and general ill health of the last few days.  Following a medical assessment it turns out our patient does not need any other treatment, but Nick’s job isn’t over. “I try to make her as comfortable as possible and enjoy some small talk. While this may sound boring these jobs are often the most rewarding. Our work is people focused and everyone has a unique story. The opportunity to talk to patients about what’s on in the news, sport, or just life in general is always interesting” says Nick.

Nick and Rodney head back to Johnsonville Station before the day is over to ensure their ambulance is back where is started.

“On the way home I like to reflect on the patients that I’ve treated and think about anything that I could have done better. I wonder how the child with seizures is doing and hope that our collapsed runner has fully recovered.”

“In the short time I’ve worked for Wellington Free as a newly qualified graduate I’ve been everywhere from Wainuiomata to Waikanae (sometimes on the same day) and treated patients for anything from sore toes to cardiac arrests”

Nick says some jobs he feels really good about and some he finds difficult and hard to handle. However, he never has any doubt that he’s making a positive difference to the community and is proud to work for Wellington Free Ambulance.