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“I always say, we want everyone in Wellington to know how to do CPR. Preferably the whole community,” Jacqui says with a smile. “It’s such a simple skill, but it can save a life.”

From paramedic student to Heartbeat Assistant

Jacqui first joined Wellington Free Ambulance as a volunteer while studying for her paramedic degree in 2023.

“I was a Heartbeat volunteer, helping out with Restart a Heart Day and expos,” she explains. “It was real fun, and it just grew from there.”

By the time she finished her degree, Jacqui knew she still wanted to stay in the medical space but jumping straight into frontline work didn’t feel like the right next step for her.

“There was a job going in the Heartbeat team, and I applied. Now I help run those same events I used to volunteer for, and I have students to help me with training.”

As a Heartbeat Assistant, Jacqui delivers The Lloyd Morrison Foundation Heartbeat Community CPR Training Programme courses in schools, retirement villages, workplaces and more. It's a free of charge 90-minute training session.

“We teach people how to recognise a cardiac arrest, how to do CPR and how to use an AED. It’s all for free. It’s really rewarding, and it’s amazing how many people want to learn.”

Keeping the AED network running

Behind the scenes, Jacqui also keeps the Heartbeat AED network ticking. She checks expiry dates for batteries and pads, maintains the database, and reaches out to community AED owners when it’s time for a change of batteries and pads.

“When someone purchases an AED, we’ll come out and do a training with them. It’s not just about the machine; it’s about giving them the confidence to use it if they ever need to.”

And while she’s not working on the frontline (yet), Jacqui says her paramedic training still plays an important part in the work she does.

“I still use my clinical knowledge especially when I’m teaching people how the heart works or explaining what actually happens during a cardiac arrest.”

Passionate about access and education

Jacqui is proud to be part of an organisation that provides a completely free of charge ambulance service.

“Coming from up north, I know people who don’t call an ambulance because they’re worried about the cost. That just doesn’t sit right,” she says. “Here at Wellington Free Ambulance, we can focus on helping people without that barrier. Even while we’re with a patient, we’re often teaching too. Giving people the knowledge so they know what to do next time.”

Life outside the uniform

When she’s not in uniform, Jacqui’s life is full of energy and a little bit of chaos.

“I’ve got a little bubba who keeps me busy.  I’m usually playing with him or picking up his toys!” she laughs. “He’s a real menace, in the best way.”

She and her partner try getting out at least once a week. “I go to play golf with my partner. I’m usually pushing the stroller around the course. I can’t hit the ball more than a few metres, but I’m great moral support,” she jokes.

They’re also in the middle of a home renovation. “My partner’s a builder, we just put the garage up over the weekend.”

Add in two dogs, a Labrador-retriever and a new lab puppy and it’s safe to say there’s never a dull moment.

“We recently got the puppy as if life wasn’t chaotic enough!” she says, laughing. “Evenings are movie time, once the baby is asleep. We love watching Shrek.”

Looking ahead

Jacqui says she still sees herself on the frontline one day. “I absolutely want to go back and be a paramedic. But right now, I love being in this space and being part of Wellington Free Ambulance. I love helping people and making sure more people know what to do in an emergency.”

And at the heart of it all, it’s the people at work who make each day worthwhile.

“My workmates are just great. I love the team. It makes coming to work so much better.”