Jennifer is a crewman for the Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter and shares a glimpse into a day in the life working onboard the Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter.
What does a typical day look like for you?
“There isn't a typical day on the rescue helicopter, we never know where we will be flying next. There could be a hospital transfer, a motor vehicle accident or a search and rescue beacon job, and that’s the best part about the job. No two days are the same.”
How did you get into this job?
“Before working on board, the Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter, I had been working for frontline ambulances as a paramedic for eight years. I had heard stories from my friends who worked on rescue helicopters and immediately became interested. I then undertook three months of training as a crewman with the rescue helicopter, to complete basic aviation and hoist training. However, training as a crewman is ongoing and I will continue to learn more skills as I work.”
What are the first few things you do when you start your shift?
“I usually work a 12-hour shift and start the day at 7 am at the hangar. I come in a little bit earlier to get a handover from the previous crew and make a coffee before starting my duties. As the onboard crewman, I have a mix of aviation and medical responsibilities, and this usually starts off with checking the aircraft fuel and oxygen levels followed by making sure all the medical and rescue equipment is in the aircraft and secured. I then will catch up with the pilot and discuss the weather, flight conditions, aviation notices that are valid during our shift and any aircraft or base duties that need to be completed that day.”
What are your duties when on a mission?
“When the crew are called for a mission, my duty is to stand outside the aircraft as the engines are started and check that the surrounding area is clear of people and foreign object debris. I also go around the aircraft making sure all doors and latches are secured prior to flying. Depending on the type of mission, duties as a crewman can include assisting the pilot in navigation, operating the hoist and/or assisting the critical care flight paramedic with unstable patient treatment. The crewman duties are quite diverse which keeps things interesting.”
What is the best thing about your job?
Flying is pretty up there in being one of the best things about my job as a crewman, I enjoy seeing the country from above while also helping bring medical care to people in need. I also recently completed my first operation winch; it was memorable as it was the first time I got to use all my newly acquired crewman skills to help someone in need.”
What do you do with your time off?
I try to keep work at work and maximise my rostered days off catching up with friends and family in order to maintain a good work/life balance. I also enjoy spending time in the outdoors, hiking and exploring.”
What do your kids/family members think about your job?
“Since starting my job as a crewman on the rescue helicopter, my nephew has taken an interest in helicopters and has now acquired quite a few helicopter toys, which is pretty cute to see.”
