KEY POINTS:
For a trauma victim, having a volunteer turn up from nowhere to give time, a smile and advice is invaluable.
One of 45 volunteers involved in Tauranga Victim Support, Vicki Wood has given her time for nearly 10 years.
Tauranga's rapidly growing population meant many people involved in tragedies were often alone, did not know their neighbours, and had not built up a network of friends to support them, said Tauranga Victim Support service co-ordinator Claire Montague.
That made Ms Wood's efforts attending emergencies critically important, and it was no easy job.
"Some of the things they have to deal with are quite difficult. They support people emotionally, they give information. They're crisis workers."
Ms Wood's dedication to that role, and her willingness to also do paperwork, organisation, and team leader duties, set her apart, Ms Montague said.
"She's dedicated and she's available. That's a big thing for a volunteer. She's cheerful and goes beyond the call of duty. Then she gets up in the morning and goes to her paid job."
Ms Wood said her commitment, up to 20 hours a week some weeks, was simply an opportunity for her to give.
"I'm in a pretty fortunate position and there are a lot of people who, through no fault of their own, aren't in that position.
" I like helping, there's definitely a feel-good element about it. And there's a large group out there that, without volunteers, wouldn't be coping."
Coping with the tragedies she saw could be difficult, but she had learned the necessary survival mechanism of separating herself from her role.
At times the victims wanted no support, she said.
But when they did, the feeling of giving and helping was all the reward she needed.
