About Us

People that give their time to support us play a huge part in what we do, from being on the ground at events as medics to a governance level on our Board of Trustees and getting out in the community, helping us raise essential funds.

Event Medical Services – meet Event Medical Services Manager Dan

Our Volunteer Event Medics are at the heart of our community work. They cover a variety of sporting events, community fairs, live concerts, and more every single week. They also have the opportunity to train community groups in CPR, and even back up our front-line crews in emergencies.

Dan Ashcroft’s career with Wellington Free Ambulance has come full circle since he started as an event medic almost seven years ago.  Today Dan manages the team of over 75 event medics who spend their time supporting events like the Ed Sheeran concert, cricket at the Basin, Martinborough Fair or Wings Over Wairarapa.

People from all walks of life and professions are members of the event medical services team at Wellington Free Ambulance.  Ranging in age from 18 to 60+ the team have “day jobs” that might surprise you – think Corrections Officer, Real Estate Manager and Dr of Pharmacology.

You don’t need to have any prior medical knowledge or experience to be an event medic. Full training and induction as well as mentoring is provided over a period of around 6 months.  The only prerequisites are a clean full driver’s license for at least two years and a defensive driving course.

Given the significant responsibility that comes with being an event medic to crowds often numbering in the thousands, training includes trauma care, medical care, airway management and CPR.  When needed, the Wellington Free Ambulance paramedic crews will attend and support or provide higher levels of clinical care and transport for further treatment.

As Dan explains, “Not only is being an event medic an opportunity to give back to the community at events – people also learn valuable skills that could be used in a workplace, local community or to assist family or friends if needed.” 

Dan says it’s a “privilege and huge responsibility to be an event medic, but equally hugely rewarding and really enjoyable supporting the community and being part of the Wellington Free team.”

Meet Volunteer Event Medics Emilia and Geo

Now you know more about what our Volunteer Event Medics do, meet two of them – Emilia and Geo!

The Wellington Free Ambulance Board – meet Dr Chris Masters

We’re fortunate to have a Board made up of highly skilled, dedicated people from a cross-section of professions. They meet quarterly to ensure the effective governance of all aspects of our service. Lower Hutt GP Dr Chris Masters has been a Wellington Free Board member since August 2022.

Learn more about Dr Chris, including why he decided to join our Board.

Fundraising – meet Pete Fraser of Z Energy

Volunteers play a huge role in helping us reach our annual $7 million fundraising goal. As well as community fundraising, like our Onesie Appeal, we host an annual golf day to raise vital funds to support our work and to help keep the ‘free’ in Wellington Free.

Meet Pete Fraser who, alongside a busy day job as the Commercial Business Manager at Z Energy, volunteers on our Golf Day Committee.

Join our team

There are so many ways you can support us. You can:

• Become an event medic – find out more.

• Fundraise for us.

• Share your story – sharing real stories helps demonstrate our work and lets people know how we help. Tell us your story.

• Join our online community – sign up to our monthly eNewsletter or join us on Facebook,  Instagram or LinkedIn.