Two new ambulances are ready to support Waikato communities thanks to generous funding from Grassroots Trust, a long-time supporter of Hato Hone St John.
A Generation 4 emergency ambulance, which will operate from Te Awamutu, and a Health Services vehicle, which will be based in Chartwell, were blessed during a special ceremony at Hato Hone St John’s Te Awamutu ambulance station on 20 February.
The event was attended by local iwi, elected representatives from the district, Hato Hone St John Order members and operational staff and volunteers.
The new frontline emergency ambulance is fitted with modern equipment such as a power-load electric stretcher and stair carry chair, which make it easier and safer to move patients in and out of the vehicle.
Craig Scott, Hato Hone St John Area Operations Manager for South Waikato, says the new vehicle will bolster the ambulance service’s resources in the district.
“We are extremely grateful for the continued support Grassroots Trust gives to Hato Hone St John. This new modern ambulance will enable our paramedics to continue providing the life-saving service they do every day,” says Mr Scott.
“This ambulance is a wonderful gift to our community and on behalf of our team, I would like to thank Grassroots Trust for its generosity in providing this valuable resource to our staff and the communities we serve.”
The new Heath Services vehicle will serve the Hamilton community and the surrounding district.
Grassroots Trust has been a valued supporter of Hato Hone St John for many years and since 2022, the Trust and Grassroots Trust Central have granted more than $2 million for vehicles and equipment to Hato Hone St John, including Generation 4 ambulances for Te Awamutu, Morrinsville, Whakatane and Gisborne, an Event Health Services ambulance for Hamilton, Major Incident Support Team (MIST) vehicles for Dunedin and Gisborne, and lifting chairs for Northland.
Last year, grant funding from Grassroots Trust enabled Hato Hone St John to purchase a new fit-for-purpose complex patient ambulance vehicle (CPAV) for Auckland.
Martin Bradley, Grassroots Trust Executive Chairman, says Grassroots Trust was proud to support, “An iconic essential New Zealand service to the levels we do”.
“Over the last three years we have funded nine ambulances in addition to major incident support team vehicles and other essential equipment. The commitment shown by the staff and volunteer base at Hato Hone St John should be an inspiration to the whole community,” Mr Bradley says.