Libbie said it was “pretty random” she ended up working on the rescue helicopter – but we’re glad she was in the right place at the right time!
We have a quick Q&A to find out a bit more about Libbie’s accidental career change.
How did you end up becoming a paramedic on the rescue helicopter?
I was doing rope access and steel inspection work in the Australian oil and gas industry. I’d work three weeks on and then fly home for three weeks. When home I started volunteering for Hato Hone St John and really enjoyed it. So, I went through their first responder programme to become an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) and then quit my job overseas and started working for Hato Hone St John full time while studying towards a Bachelor of Health Science.
I started working on the rescue helicopters in 2019. I think all my rope and working at heights training from my oil and gas days really helped. So, the career path was a bit random – I was in the right place at the right time, I think.
After 20 years in Taupō, why did you make the move South?
I am originally from Te Kohurau (Kurow) and all my whānau are in the South Island – my sister is at Waikuku Beach, my mum and dad are in Timaru, and my daughter has just moved to Queenstown. It’s been a good move, for whānau for sure.
What do you like most about working on the rescue helicopter?
I really like the variety – the variety in the jobs we get, the places we go, and especially the people we meet. We’re so lucky. We turn up at places like a river in beautiful native bush, somewhere that hardly anyone’s seen before to meet our patients and their whānau. It’s what I like most, getting into completely inaccessible areas that you would never really see otherwise.
What’s the hardest thing about the job?
Probably the best thing about the job is also the hardest thing about it. I like variety and not knowing what you’re doing each day but that’s also the hardest thing because you can’t plan for what’s going to happen. You just have to make decisions based on what’s right in front of you but we’re lucky we’ve got such a good team here. We bounce off each other well in the aircraft and around the base as well.
Everyone brings a superpower to the team. What’s your superpower?
That’s a difficult question. Probably communication – but that might also be my downfall, because I do talk a lot! But I can build rapport with lots of different people from lots of different walks of life. So maybe that’s it; I’m approachable.
How do you cope with the 24 hour shifts?
You have to keep your physical and mental well-being healthy. Before this chat I went to the gym – I’m on a 24 hour shift today – and then after this chat I’ll have a nap, if we don’t get a job. I also make sure that I eat good food, I drink water, I limit my coffee. Then outside of work, you have to have your own interests. I’ve got two dogs so for me it’s walking them, visiting my daughter, mountain biking, snowboarding, weaving.
If somebody is injured or stuck and needs to be rescued, what advice would you give them?
Um… (phone beeps) … just a moment … oh no, that’s not a job.
Where were we? Advice, OK. Well, prior to needing to be rescued I would say take a personal locator beacon. It’s the best thing you can do for yourself and for others.
But once you’re in a situation and need to be rescued? Stay in the same place, stay together, and stay warm.
Also tidy up any loose items because as soon as the helicopter comes in the rotor wash is going to make it really windy so items like caps, sunglasses and open bags are not good. Pack everything away.
Then wait for us.
What would people be surprised to know about the job?
I think lots of people think we’re always out in a helicopter doing fun, exciting stuff, but actually a lot of our job is around the base cleaning the helicopter, doing lots of training scenarios, making sure we know how to operate each and every piece of the equipment in the helicopter.
(phone beeps) … OK, that is a job. I’ve got to go.
The quick-fire questions continue a few days later, when Libbie is back on shift…
I hear you’re also studying. What are you studying?
I’m doing a Diploma in Māori and Indigenous Art – Weaving through Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. Last semester I made a kahu muka (cloak) and this semester I’m making a tukutuku panel. I feel so lucky to have an amazing kaiako, Morehu Flutey-Henare, to learn from and beautiful friends I have met through weaving.
I find the weaving mentally relaxes me – it’s a great outlet. I love harvesting the materials, being in nature and learning a new skill.
What’s one thing you would like to change to improve health outcomes?
I would love to see more people feeling able to access primary care, especially in rural and remote areas. And that’s where the helicopter is most utilised and where there’s often larger Māori populations.
What’s your most memorable job?
A while back we had a patient that cardiac arrested in front of us. We did CPR, shocked him, stabilised him and took him to hospital.
About six months later we had a Community Day at the base. This man attended the Day with his daughter and newborn grandchild, introduced himself and told us who he was. That was really cool. We don’t often see the good stories and we love it when people come back and let us know they’ve had a successful recovery – and that man was so unwell, it was pretty special to see him back.
