Piopio Ambulance Update

A BIG CHANGE in July has been the NZ-wide decision by St John to have all volunteer Station ambulances to be designated as First Response Units with transporting vehicles — in our case, hopefully coming from the paid crews of Te Kuiti, Otorohanga or Te Awamutu.

Generally we have crews available five nights of the week and between 2-5 daytimes cover. This is due to several of our 10 officers being unavailable as they work in either essential occupations or away working outside of a realistic response area. Our 10 officers, though, have together accumulated in excess of 100 years service for Piopio. Recently, three of them have received Certificates of Service plus the appropriate bar or badge from our Group Operational Manager.

Ken Perry was acknowledged for his 20 years; Suzanne Downey 15 years; and Ana Wiseman her 5 years.

However , as some of our readers will be aware, there have been occasions when — despite us having cover — we have not been able to respond. If you are calling for an ambulance, ask where it is coming from and how long its ETA is. Despite this, to date in this operational year, we have been despatched to 45 medical incidents, 17 accidents, 15 motor vehicle crashes and provided cover at other stations seven times. However, to maintain or increase our cover we do need more volunteers. Full training would be given and the only cost is your time.

For informal information feel free to contact [email protected]