Life Flight

When James signed on for duty as a Life Flight First Officer, he had no idea what the day had in store.

James’ role as First Officer goes far beyond piloting the aircraft—he and the Captain help wherever they’re needed. They load stretchers, ride in the ambulance, and assist patients right through the hospital doors.

His day was a whirlwind of blue skies and patients in need. “You never know what you’re going to be doing,” James explains.

Sometimes you touch down and there are three more jobs waiting.

Starting his day at the Waikato Base, James, his Captain, and Flight Nurse Permal flew to Taupō to collect a Flight Nurse. It wasn’t long before they were back in the air to help someone else; an elderly patient needed transferring from Taupō to Paraparaumu to be closer to family.

And that was only the beginning. “We got called as soon as we got to Paraparaumu asking us to come to Wellington.” In no time they were there, helping a baby return home to Blenheim after time spent at Wellington Hospital’s NICU.

Then it was off to Gisborne and then Auckland, with two more patients needing urgent care.

Despite the long and busy day, James wouldn’t have it any other way. “I love my job,” he says. “You learn something new every day, because there’s no two days the same and you see that you’re helping people.”

Each flight is a reminder of the generosity behind each and every mission. “We’re here because of the donors,” he says.

Every donation helps us change lives.

After a day like that, James admits the adrenaline eventually fades. “It hits you when you’re driving the ambulance back. You just want a shower and to see your family.” But even tired, he’s grateful. “It’s a privilege to do this work.”