The clock is ticking for Great Barrier Island as the community races against time to keep its ambulance service running without a hitch.
Veteran volunteer paramedic Adam Johnston has sounded the alarm: we need to raise $14,000 in just two weeks.
This urgent cash injection will fund a stand-in paramedic while Johnston takes a two month break from Aotea, starting early May.
At a meeting at the Barrier Social Club last Saturday, more than 60 locals came together, galvanized by Johnston’s impassioned plea.
After 15 tireless years on the front lines of emergency care, Johnston revealed he can no longer shoulder the burden alone.
The needed $14,000 will bring a qualified paramedic to Aotea, partnering with two volunteers to maintain coverage.
Without this vital support, everything will fall to after-hours doctors and nurses.
Donations can be made to the Great Barrier Island Community Health Trust, with “Paramedic” as the payment reference.
The bank account details are: 12-3011-0531871-00.
A Sustainable Solution
At the hui, community members also tabled a long-term fix: creating a new “community paramedic” role.
The idea would be to combine the responsibilities of managing the ambulance service with broader healthcare duties across the island, although funding the permanent role would require between $105,000 and $120,000 a year, given Aotea does not meet the St John’s population requirements for a paid role.
Join the Cause
If you’ve ever thought about volunteering, now’s the time to step forward. Interested? Contact Adam directly at greatbarrierisland@stjohn.org.nz.
Support Our Service: To contribute, please make your donations to the Great Barrier Island Community Health Trust, specifying “Paramedic” as the reference.
Bank Details for Donation: Account Number: 12-3011-0531871-00.
