Waste Management is one of the sponsors helping St John introduce a fleet of 14 purpose-built ambulances into rural New Zealand.
Designed as specialist first response units, the new ambulances were launched at an event in Auckland this week.
They are smaller and nimbler than a traditional ambulance, designed for narrow roads and difficult terrain. They will be crewed by volunteers and have excellent capacity for treating and stabilising patients, while transporting locally or to meet a helicopter or transporting ambulance.
It will mean St John is able to respond faster, enabling better outcomes for patients in regional New Zealand.
Waste Management is proud to be one of the businesses that provided support to help fund four of the 14 vehicles.
These first response units are currently making their way to Russell, Mokau, Opotiki and Porangahau.
Tony Devanney, St John Assistant Director of Operations, says contributions from donors around the country have made the delivery of these vehicles possible.
“Fundraising is essential to getting this new fleet on the road and we want to acknowledge those donors who have given so generously to their communities.”
Waste Management Managing Director Tom Nickels says it is great for Waste Management to be involved in the delivery of the first response units.
“St John does an incredible job. Waste Management operates all over New Zealand, so we are very pleased to help fund these state-of-the-art vehicles to improve response times in rural areas.”
For more information about the launch of the First Response Units visit the St John website