On the first anniversary of New Zealand’s worst mass terrorist incident, an attack which forever changed the fabric of New Zealand, St John Ambulance joins with the local community to mark the tragedy and reflect on the changes that have galvanised a nation.
On 15 March 2019, St John responded over 50 staff to triage, treat and transport dozens of patients with gun-shot injuries, many critical. Many more worked in support roles behind the scenes.
St John’s Chief Executive Officer Peter Bradley explains how, as the event unfolded, St John ambulance officers were under unthinkable pressure as they worked hard to save lives, doing much more than could be asked of them.
“I could not be prouder of every St John 111 call handler, dispatcher, operational manager, frontline ambulance officer and volunteer and the strength and commitment they showed in the face of adversity on that day. The work of all emergency services, particularly our police colleagues and Christchurch Hospital clinicians, was incredible.”
In the wake of the tragedy, St John Ambulance has witnessed an unprecedented outpouring of love from the people of Christchurch towards both the ambulance officers that responded and the Muslim community.
Generous donations have been received from across the country which have been used to establish an enhanced peer support programme for our people that will continue to provide support to them as they recover from this horrific event.
As New Zealand marks one year on from this tragedy, our thoughts are with the victims and their families from the Muslim community, our people and our emergency health services colleagues who responded to the shootings, and the people of Christchurch. We are one.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Gerard Campbell
St John Communications Advisor
M: 027 567 2083
E: gerard.campbell@stjohn.org.nz