"It's probably more to do with an increasingly ageing population. We're having to deal with more long-term illnesses and health concerns, as opposed to having to deal with more life-threatening emergencies."
The service had shifted focus in the past few years, as a result, he said.
"We're having to change the way we manage our service. Our primary aim is still to respond to people's concerns but there's now quite a large additional element which involves treating them at home, advising them over the phone."
Wellington Free has three vehicles operating in Wairarapa. It has taken on more paid staff in the past few years in line with its changing service but could always do with more volunteers, Mr Long says.
"As is the case nationally, it can be particularly hard to get volunteers in the rural areas so we're always looking for more."
New Zealand Ambulance Association chairman Mark Quin said a huge challenge lay ahead.
"In some respects, I think we're just putting our finger in the dam at the moment," he said. "We're putting in all these initiatives but I don't know if we're reacting quick enough.
"The elderly population is growing dramatically every year so I can't see demand stopping any time soon."
The service increasingly needing to be a "jack of all trades" was also putting pressure on the system, he said.
"Often we're the default [healthcare provider] - especially in weekends and after hours.
"In some cases, people are unable to access a GP so they call an ambulance. Others might have an appointment in three days but want to be seen sooner so they call an ambulance, even though the problem's only minor.
"Another increasingly big area of our work is mental health. It's another area that lacks services, particularly after hours and during weekends."
St John had put more crews on in response to demand - but more resources would only ease the problem to an extent, he said.
"While we need to work alongside other health professionals to provide care, it's not really what we're contracted to do.
"We're meant to be responding to emergencies."
More government support wouldn't go astray, however, he said.
"We're equal in our position in the community so we should be fully funded for the benefit of the public."
