About us

“We were drawn by the opportunity to immerse ourselves in a different culture, embrace new challenges and build on my skills in a fresh healthcare environment," Charlotte says.

A calling to care

Charlotte’s passion for paramedicine started long before the move. “I wanted a career where I could genuinely make a difference. Paramedics are there at people’s most vulnerable moments and offer reassurance and clinical care. That combination of compassion, skill, and resilience felt like the perfect fit for me.”

She studied her paramedic degree at the University of Staffordshire in the UK, completing a rigorous three-year programme full of diverse placements and expert guidance.

“During training, I experienced everything from frontline ambulance work to hospital care. Seeing how all emergency services come together to support communities really cemented my passion for this career.”

Starting fresh in New Zealand

Since arriving in New Zealand, Charlotte has faced the excitement and uncertainty of working in a new system.

“I was still fairly new to the role, and moving countries felt daunting. But the kindness of colleagues and even strangers stood out immediately - they made me feel welcomed and supported.”

Now based out of Paraparaumu Ambulance Station, Charlotte works as a preceptor, mentoring and supporting new graduates who are starting their paramedicine career. “Teaching adds a rewarding new layer to my role.”

No two days are the same

Charlotte’s shifts are anything but predictable.

“We start by checking the ambulance and equipment, then sign in and see where the day takes us. Calls range from serious emergencies to community care. I’ve learned to focus on one patient and one task at a time, it’s how you manage the busiest days.”

Teamwork is crucial. “At Wellington Free Ambulance, we work with emergency medical technicians, extended care paramedics, doctors and more. Everyone has a role, and working together means we adapt quickly to whatever comes our way.”

The qualities that matter

Charlotte believes a good paramedic is compassionate, resilient, calm under pressure, observant, and a great team player.

“You have to be someone people can trust and feel safe with. Clear communication and training help us break down complex situations and stay grounded amid any chaos.”

A moment that stays with her

One afternoon on their days off and driving home after a shopping trip, Charlotte and Ben came across an incident. Fire trucks and police were at the scene. Firefighters were performing CPR on a man who had collapsed on the footpath. Without hesitation, Charlotte and Ben stopped to help, working alongside the fire crew to achieve ROSC (return of spontaneous circulation).

“To my knowledge, he’s still alive today thanks to the combined efforts of everyone involved,” Charlotte says.

“We stopped to help, working alongside the fire crew until his heartbeat returned. It reminded me how important it is to always be ready, even outside of work.”

Life beyond the ambulance

After a challenging shift, Charlotte always makes time to call her family back in the UK. “Speaking with them helps put things into perspective and gives me time to reflect,” she says. “Moving abroad has really made me treasure those conversations even more.”

Outside of work, staying active and connected is essential for her wellbeing. “I love walking, often with colleagues as part of a walking group and horse riding has always been my way to completely switch off.”

What being a paramedic means to Charlotte

Living and working in New Zealand has taught Charlotte to appreciate life’s unpredictability and approach every moment with kindness.

“I’m privileged to meet people in their homes, hear their stories, and even meet their pets. It’s a glimpse into their lives that you don’t get anywhere else.”

She’s grateful for a supportive team and excellent wellbeing resources at Wellington Free Ambulance, which help her stay motivated through the toughest days.

Three words to describe the job

When asked to sum up being a paramedic, Charlotte chooses: Rewarding, unpredictable, collaborative.

“Most people think it’s all dramatic emergencies and rushing with lights and sirens, but that’s actually a smaller part of what we do. A large portion of our work is about helping people with everyday health concerns, supporting them in their homes, and guiding them towards the right care. It’s as much about compassion, problem-solving, and reassurance as it is about high-pressure emergency medicine.”

Wearing the Wellington Free Ambulance uniform fills Charlotte with pride.

“Knowing we provide free emergency care to the community and being part of that mission gives me a real sense of belonging and purpose.”