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.
What we doOur news
An unlikely event the best yet for Wellington Free paramedic
An unlikely event the best yet for Wellington Free paramedic
08 August 2018
For Wellington Free Ambulance paramedic, Kim Beban, the highlight of her career was the birth of her niece.
“The birth of my niece was an unexpected crossover between my work life and my personal life. It turned out to be one of the most amazing experiences I’ve ever had.”
In January 2016, Kim’s sister-in-law, Kylie, was due to have her first baby.
“I can only remember bits while I was in labour,” Kylie says.
It was 1am when Kylie’s contractions started, and she woke her husband, Kim’s brother Jamie, at 4am.
When 4.30am rolled around, things were moving quickly, and Jamie knew it was time to call an ambulance.
And it just so happened that Kim was assigned the job.
“When I looked over the notes and saw it was my brother and sister-in-law’s address, I knew she was having the baby,” says Kim.
Kylie was close to delivering when Kim arrived at her brother’s house, and it wasn’t long after they arrived at Wellington hospital that Kylie’s daughter was born.
Kylie named her daughter, Nadia Kimberley, after her sister-in-law.
For Kylie, having her sister-in-law present made the experience a lot easier.
And for Kim, the experience has brought the pair closer together.
“I visit Kylie and Nadia once a week and have only missed one week since she was born over two years ago.”
For Kylie, the importance of Onesie Day is not only giving back to the service but also giving back to Kim.
“Wellington Free and their paramedics truly provide a quality service, and if wearing a Onesie is how we can say thanks, I’m more than happy to do it.”
Onesie Day is Wellington Free’s annual street appeal with all money raised going back to the service, keeping it free for the Wellington community.
“It’s so important that Wellington Free is a free service, as you never know when you or your loved ones are going to need them,” says Kylie.
“Never in a million years did I think I would need an ambulance during labour, but I did, and I was lucky enough to have my sister-in-law along for the ride.”
Kim, Kylie and Nadia will be taking part in Onesie Day this year to show their support for Wellington Free Ambulance. To get involved visit: Onesie Day.