More Suzanne Warners needed
The first response group are qualified Wellington Free Ambulance volunteers who are able to help when called on. They are alerted when there is an emergency at the same time as the Dr and the 111 call centre.
It means that whoever is closest to a life threatening event gets there first and starts caring for the person until the rest of the team can arrive.
Wellington Free have worked with the Fire Service for a long time which often sees them being first to arrive at a cardiac arrest or road crash, but have recently expanded to include other organisations and a number of first response volunteers. This network of first responders means they can get help to people quicker, which ultimately can save lives.
After travelling the world following a musical and arts management career Suzanne returned to Wellington and joined the head office team managing the rosters “this gave me a real insight into the organisation and how it all worked so when I was ready to semi-retire and found out Wellington Free were looking for more volunteer first responders in Martinborough I jumped at the chance.” Suzanne said.
Suzanne is incredibly passionate about her community and recognises “it’s a bit isolated from the permanent stations at Greytown and Masterton so being a first responder here is a really important part of community life.” She’s now been volunteering with Wellington Free for two years and gets a huge ‘buzz’ knowing that she can really make a difference to the lives of locals and visitors in their time of need, helping them in their emergency.
Wellington Free now have 110 qualified volunteers completing around 1000 hours per month. They offer medical cover at community events, volunteer on the frontline in the emergency ambulance service, act as community first responders in more rural areas and offer training with the Heartbeat programme. To volunteer with Wellington Free it takes extraordinary effort; commitment, tenacity and resilience. If you’re interested in joining Suzanne and the Martinborough team visit: our website or email volunteers@wfa.org.nz for more information.
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