THE HELICOPTER
STANDARD OPERATAIONS PROCEDURES
TRAINING & EQUIPMENT
CREW PROFILE
PILOT PROFILE
PARAMEDIC PROFILE

PARAMEDICS


Barry Watkin
(Chief Paramedic)
Time Served 19 years
Background 19 years in the Ambulance service before working on the Westpac Rescue Helicopter in 1987.  A qualified paramedic since 1985
Best Part of Job Variety of locations and missions.  Helping to make a difference in peoples' lives
Family Married to Suzie with one child and two stepchildren
Interests boating, travel, good food and wine (in moderation), gardening and exercise (in moderation!)


Chris Deacon
Nickname Deacs
Time Served 9 years
Background Formerly worked as an ambulance officer for St John
Best Part of Job Making a difference to people's lives
Family Single
Interests Surf Life Saving, Swimming


Alex Stewart
Nickname Jock
Time Served 15 years
Background Formerly worked as an ambulance officer within the Auckland region and was recruited to work on the Westpac Rescue Helicopter
Best Part of Job Making a difference.  Being in the front line of emergency medical care and having the capabilities to transport critically sick and injured people to the proper facilities in the shortest space of time
Family In my family we're the three "J's" - Jock (me), Jo (my wife) and Jockie (the dog)
Interests soccer, golf, gym and partial to the occasional good scotch

Stefan Wareham
(Medical training manager)
Background I was with the St. John’s Ambulance for 20 years before moving to the Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust as a fulltime employee in November 2000. During my time at St. Johns however I was a member of the pararescue squad
Best Part of Job Winching into an isolated location to retrieve a young man who was paralysed from the chest down, but one year later attending his wedding and watching him take his vows standing unassisted
Family Married to Tilly and have three children - one boy and two girls
Interests I enjoy outdoor sports such as fishing and tramping, but also music, wine and travel

Dave Grimshaw
Nickname Grimmy
Started ARHT April 2007
Background Advanced Paramedic 19yrs in Auckland Ambulance service
Best Part of Job Not knowing the situation your going to, making quick decisions, providing good outcomes for patients.
Family
Married to Dedi with 6 children ranging from 16 to 26
Interests Under water hockey, scuba diving which I taught it for 13 years, spearfishing, tramping, swimming, hunting, fishing, and gardening.