Dan and his colleague Ian Poff start their 12-hour shift checking the ambulance and making sure it is fully stocked and operational. "You don't want to get to a job and discover something is missing, so it is vital we constantly check and replace as items get used," says Ian, an intensive care paramedic who moved here from San Diego "for the lifestyle".
Once checks have been done, and all paperwork is up to date, the men settle into the main staff area, where they can read and chat while they are waiting for a call-out. It seems relaxed and social, and certainly "getting on with each other is key to enjoying your job", says Dan, adding that being good with people is a vital skill for a paramedic.
"Not only do you have to get on with your colleagues, who you spend a solid 12-hour shift with, but also when it comes to dealing with patients and the wider community."
With a total of eight paid staff, plus one full-time reliever who covers the entire district, the Stratford St John team is keen to increase the number of volunteers it has. "With more volunteers we can have both ambulances running with a team of two, rather than the current situation where one ambulance has a team of two, and the other just one person," says Dan.
Ian agrees, saying "two pairs of eyes is always better than one, and it helps with everything, from navigating on the road, to keeping a patient calm and informed throughout the trip".
Dan and Ian say that there are plenty of benefits to be had in volunteering. "You get on-going training, as well as the positive feeling of really making a difference in people's lives."
To find out more about volunteering go to www.join.stjohn.org.nz/home.
