Celebrating a joined up ambulance service for South Wairarapa

Wellington Free Ambulance has taken on the role of looking after volunteer ‘first responders’ and the ambulance located at Martinborough.
Wellington Free Ambulance Field Operations Manager Mike Sunderland says the change is about doing what’s best for patients.

“We care very much about getting fast, high quality care to the people of South Wairarapa.” The best way to do that he says is through a single, integrated service where volunteer ‘first responders’ and paramedics can work closely together.
Wellington Free Ambulance has been the emergency ambulance service provider for the Wairarapa since 2012 with stations in Masterton and Greytown.

Recently Wellington Free Ambulance, St John, and the Martinborough and Districts Ambulance Trust made the decision for Wellington Free to take on the role of supporting Martinborough based volunteers previously looked after by St John. Wellington Free Ambulance also picks up responsibility for helping with the upkeep of the local ambulance and station.

St John Territory Manager Greg Cottrell believes it makes sense for Wellington Free Ambulance to support Martinborough first response volunteers since they are the emergency ambulance provider in Wairarapa.
“The Martinborough ambulance team has worked with St John for many years, providing a highly valuable service to their community,” he says. “St John will continue to have a strong presence in Martinborough through community programmes, including St John Youth, Health Shuttle and first aid at community, sporting and entertainment events delivered throughout Wairarapa.
Chair of the Martinborough and Districts Ambulance Trust David Kershaw says he is pleased to see the Trust ambulance continuing to be put to good use in the community. “Wellington Free has been very helpful in their dealings with the Trust and staff to continue with a speedy and well equipped response.”

There are currently three volunteers based at Martinborough providing first response care between 6.00pm and 6.00am several nights a week.
Mike Sunderland says things will continue in exactly the same way, but that over time he hopes to see more people getting involved in volunteering.
“Volunteers are a core part of our service. They can often get to a scene quickly and start administering care ahead of the paramedics arrival, and are key to us being able to always double crew our ambulances,” Mike says. “They do an amazing job, all in their spare time, and all for free.”