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Since she was a young child, Paris has been “fascinated by the flashing lights and uniforms of emergency service workers”. In fact, there’s a photo of Paris taken when she was just 10 years old, proudly standing next to a Wellington Free ambulance at an emergency services open day! Reflecting on this photo, Paris says “I had no idea at the time how significant that moment would become - it sparked a dream that never really left me”.

A 10-year-old Paris at an emergency services open day.

Now, 12 years on from that photo, Paris works as a patient transfer officer (PTO) and event medic for Wellington Free, while completing her Bachelor of Paramedicine degree through Whitireia, which is a major step toward becoming a fully qualified paramedic.

As a patient transfer officer, Paris is part of a team of approximately 75 specialist PTOs who safely transport between 150 and 180 patients every single day across our region, to and from scheduled healthcare appointments. The patient transfer service runs 17 hours per day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. These specialist PTOs handle more than just the physical movement of people - there's a social service aspect, emotional support, and informal counselling service too.

Paris describes being an event medic as “providing medical support as needed to people who are enjoying festivals, sports events, and community gatherings”.

Both roles help Paris develop the skills and experience she’ll need as a paramedic.

More than just a 'job'

12 years later, Paris is in training to be a paramedic while working as a Wellington Free patient transfer officer and event medic!

For a long time, Paris “didn’t think I was ‘academic enough’ to pursue a degree or career in healthcare. But thanks to my mum, who has always been my biggest supporter and motivator, I found the courage to follow my passion. She never let me forget that I had something to offer, and her constant encouragement pushed me to believe in myself.”

“It hasn’t always been an easy road.”

Paris juggles two roles alongside her paramedic degree but her passion for working for Wellington Free keeps her going. As she explains:

“Working for Wellington Free Ambulance is more than just a job to me; it’s a way to be deeply connected to the community I care about. Every shift is different, and I love being able to support people in some of their most vulnerable moments. It’s challenging, rewarding, and humbling work.”

Even with a busy working and studying life, Paris makes time to “wind down with my family and friends. Those moments of laughter and relaxation help keep me grounded.”

“But no matter where I am, that photo of 10-year-old me is a reminder of how far I’ve come, and how the spark of a childhood dream can become something real with a little bit of courage and a lot of support.”