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“Mum was a chronic diabetic who often went ‘hypo’ [hypoglycaemia - when blood sugar drops extremely low, resulting in a range of symptoms including shaking, dizziness and heart palpitations, loss of eyesight, etc.]. Dad and I knew the drill. Around 2 or 3am we’d be in the kitchen making hot sugary tea, sponging her down and making her comfortable while she drifted back to sleep. But there were lots of incidents when that didn’t cut it, and we’d need to call the ambulance.

Every single time, the paramedics would come in and noted how stressed we all were, but they were always incredibly pleasant and would try to distract both dad and I by telling us ‘Oh, I need a cuppa too!’

I remember how they always took over in such a professional, kind and empathetic way. Their mannerisms were always comforting in what at times was a ‘life and death situation’ – a moment too long and it could have gone horribly wrong.  I’d give them 11 out of 10 (i.e. 5-star rating) every time!  

Wellington Free Ambulance was always there for us – no matter what.

My mum sadly passed, and she left a huge hole – especially for my dad (who by nature was very stoic and never complained but you could see the toll her passing took on him).  He had a weak heart (which wasn’t apparent) until he suffered a series of quite serious heart attacks.  Again, when the paramedics arrived, they instantly ‘took over’. They were just so caring and reassuring (albeit proficient), telling me ‘We’re going to take him for a little ride’.

But it’s not like they just transported us to the hospital and left us there.  I remember they came into the Emergency Department with me and talked to the nursing staff.

It was after such an event that a paramedic surprised me with a visit to my dad’s room where he sat with us for a bit (having finished his shift earlier) ‘just to check-in’ he said.  Honestly, the fact that he took the time to come back to reassure me that it was going to be okay was mind-blowing – Lotto winnings couldn’t come close to how much that meant to me.

To know that we have people like that in our lives is so comforting. They’re so professional but with a strong sense of compassion. They’re such an integral part of all our healthcare journeys and to a degree, our lives.

It’s so important and vital that we continue to support Wellington Free Ambulance – one day you could need them.

I’d personally love to see emergency equipment everywhere in our communities, like AEDs [automated external defibrillator – a device that analyses the heart’s rhythm and, if necessary, delivers an electric shock to help the heart get back to its natural rhythm] in every single supermarket for instance. I hope my support helps to realise this.

I understand that Wellington Free needs essential life-saving equipment that they can’t do without. None of us can afford to have Wellington Free’s ambulances and vehicles break down. We need to help keep those wheels turning.  As for the paramedics, they are gold – something we should never forget.

To me, it seems like the minute paramedics wake up, they’re focused on saving lives – and we need to support them to do this in every way possible – and no, it’s not just about the money.

If I can afford a coffee, I can afford to support you guys!”

If you'd like to have a positive, lasting impact on our community by donating to Wellington Free Ambulance on a regular, ongoing basis, you can set this up quickly and easily online using our donation form. Thank you for your support.