Lana is a Paramedic and Peer Support Officer in Napier. She is held in the highest regard by everyone who comes into contact with her as she has a calming and yet firm presence that reassures all around her. Lana is a highly capable and competent Paramedic and approaches her role as a true vocation, not just a job. She is a leader for other women, mentor for new ambulance officers, volunteer and role-model of exceptional qualities, making an outstanding contribution to Hato Hone St John.
During a recent natural disaster and flooding in the East Coast of New Zealand Lana was herself evacuated from her home and yet turned her attention straight away to her community, her ambulance station and her peers, even helping to care for the children of other staff members who were busy at work. During another difficult time of loss at the ambulance station she wrapped care and support around her colleagues.
Lana says: I joined as a St John cadet in 1977, gained my Grand Prior’s Award and competed in International cadet competitions in Christchurch which marked the 100-year anniversary of St John in New Zealand. I started as a volunteer ambulance officer in 1988 and then had a break raising my family. Upon returning in 2013 I qualified as an Emergency Medical Technician, completed the National Diploma in Ambulance practice and then did the Bachelor of Health Science Paramedicine degree in 2018. I love my work as a frontline St John Paramedic and also my role supporting others as a volunteer Peer Supporter. I am honoured to join the International family of St John as a Member of the Order, in what is the 140th anniversary of St John in New Zealand.
