Ambulance work chance to give back

FULFILLING: Catherine Wedderburn.

Catherine Wedderburn's path to ambulance work started with a first aid course in the eighties, which led to a few decades of volunteering for the community.

Today, the Featherston woman is a volunteer Emergency Medical Technician for Wellington Free Ambulance, while working for ACC as her day job.

She said she does it because she finds it rewarding.

"It gives me a sense of 'giving back' to the community," said Ms Wedderburn.

"The importance of contribution to community was instilled in us all growing up. Dad was the local veterinarian for 30 years and my mum continued her connection with farming community until her death. The only time off was when we went away on holiday. My sister and husband owned the Kia Ora Dairy, renowned for its ice creams, the local radio weather reporting and also as a community meeting spot for over 17 years.

"People always did things for me when I was growing up. There were parents helping out with pony club and local gymkhanas. Now I can do something to give back."

She said she meets wonderful people through this work, which is a big part of her job satisfaction. "Working with the permanent staff is great; they willingly share their knowledge to help with on the job learning. The WFA team in Wairarapa are like an extension of family through the experiences that you share."

Over the decades she has experienced everything from delivering a baby in the family's driveway, attending cardiac arrests to helping people who have fallen.