New Merc for station
BY ROBYN DOWNEY
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Dargaville & Districts
The Dargaville St John ambulance station now houses a new Mercedes.
But it’s not the kind of vehicle you associate with the suave or rich.
It’s the latest ambulance van on the market and replaces the Bedford which has been the station’s stalwart vehicle for the past 20 years, says St John district operations manager northern region Tony Devanney.
The ambulance is kitted out with a new Stryker brand stretcher, which is easier to use and able to be managed by one person, he says.
The new ambulance was purchased with the $3 million Lion Foundation grant given to St John nationally last year, specifically to help buy new vehicles.
"We are grateful to organisations like the Lion Foundation because we wouldn’t be able to make capital purchases like this without that funding," he says.
St John receives government funding for its base operating costs but is reliant upon community fundraising for its remaining operating costs and new infrastructure like vehicles. The Northern Wairoa committee has been responsible for fundraising and liaising with funding groups for equipment and capital purchases.
A recent upgrade to the station doors was funded by the Perry Foundation and carried out by local businesses like King Brothers and Carters.
Dargaville St John team manager Sally Parkinson says the timely arrival of the new ambulance coincides with the recruitment of three new volunteers.
"We welcome more people as volunteers and the ideal people are anyone with the right attitude," Mrs Parkinson says.
There is accommodation provided on-site for anyone who may reside in the rural district or out-of-town and St John provides training.
Dargaville St John comprises of three fulltime paid staff, nine experienced volunteers and three new volunteers are in training.
The local St John covers a huge area from Waipoua to the north, Pouto to the southwest, Tangiteroria to the east and between Ruawai and Matakohe to the south.
"We sometimes need to help in neighbouring districts as well, so have pager, will travel," says Mr Devanney.
Mrs Parkinson and Mr Devanney join together in thanking the funding agencies and businesses who have made the new ambulance and the recent station improvements possible.
"The community of Dargaville has supported St John through the years and we would not have these without its help," Mr Devanney says.
- © Fairfax NZ News
CARPENTER SEMI RETIRED
