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“There are a lot of people at Wellington Free who are highly skilled and have inspired me to broaden my knowledge, and clinical conversations with my colleagues on station, inspired me to pursue post graduate study” Kristy says.

As a CPA on the Clinical Desk, Kristy reviews ambulance jobs to ensure the priority of the job matches the information given by the patient. Making sure we are responding with the right care in the best possible time.

“If a job comes in where we can offer advice or alternative care options, we are able to call the patient back and do a more in-depth assessment over the phone and offer advice.”

In addition to calling patient back with advice and further assessment, CPAs also talk with paramedics on the road to give help, advice or second opinions.

It can be challenging, particularly when there are more jobs than there are ambulances available. CPAs need to work out and prioritise which patient needs to be seen first, based on their symptoms.

“There are many great aspects to the role too, being able to help people over the phone before paramedics arrive, or being able to organise an alternative plan of treatment for the patient.”

“My favourite thing about working at Wellington Free is the people. Doing shift work you work all sorts of hours and seeing people who can laugh with you at 3am in the morning when you are all tired can make all the difference,” Kristy says.

On top of her ongoing study and being a CPA, Kristy is putting her clinical expertise to work in her new role as a Clinical Educator.

Being a Clinical Educator gives Kristy a chance to share her knowledge, educate new recruits and help current staff upskill.