About Us

The 111 service is delivered through a partnership between Spark and the emergency service providers – Fire and Emergency New Zealand, Ambulance (St John and Wellington Free Ambulance) and New Zealand Police.

When you call 111 and ask for an ambulance the first person you speak to is one of our highly-trained Emergency Medical Call Takers. They ask questions to work out the best help you need and work with our Dispatchers to prioritise jobs and ensure we get to you in the best possible time.

This month we’re taking this opportunity to acknowledge Nick, a Senior Emergency Medical Call Taker in our Clinical Communications Centre in Wellington.

As a 111 call taker, Nick says one of the most rewarding aspects is making a positive difference for patients and their families during what can often be extremely stressful or distressing circumstances.

“Giving lots of reassurance and encouragement to frightened callers, while advising or instructing patient care until the arrival of the ambulance crew can make some of these situations a little less scary for callers.”

“It helps them know what to do, and ensures that patients are stabilised as much as possible until the arrival of the paramedics.”

Nick has worked at Wellington Free for just over three years, after a long career with Fairfax Media.

“One of the things I love most about working at Wellington Free is the very professional and supportive team culture, where everyone conveys a genuine sense of care, concern and urgency for our patients and their families and is supported to go 'above and beyond' for our patients in their time of need,” Nick says.

Nick says he sees his role at Wellington Free as an opportunity to contribute to a valuable community service that is proudly 'Wellington' and proudly 'Free'.

“Keeping it free for our users is such an important part of who we are, and Wellington and Wairarapa residents are so generous in supporting our endeavours to keep it that way.

“It ensures that all residents in our catchment have equal access to quality health care when they need it most. I take a great sense of pride in working for such a beloved organisation that serves its community so well.”

When Nick steps away from his desk for a well-earned day off, you could find him: in the kitchen cooking a lamb roast; listening to Neil Diamond; walking his dog, Elvis; or drinking coffee at one of Wellington's great cafes.

Great to have you on the team, Nick!