Pedalling for Paediatrics

Pedalling for Paediatrics

Launch And Photo Opportunity
Special New Ambulance Equipment For Children

Special equipment for sick children has just been installed in all Wellington Free Ambulance emergency vehicles thanks to the efforts of a paramedic who has been on a personal fundraising mission.

The new equipment is officially being launched at Wellington Free Ambulance Headquarters at 2 p.m. on Tuesday October 23.

Hannah Latta, an intensive care paramedic, has been fundraising for over a year to raise money for pulse oximetry probes which are used to monitor oxygen levels in sick infants.

There will be a photo opportunity at the launch where Hannah will demonstrate how the new probes work with a baby in an ambulance.

The probes have now been put in all front line Wellington Free Ambulances (including the rescue helicopter), in Wellington and the Wairarapa.

Called ‘Pedalling for Paediatrics’, Ms Latta’s fundraising drive for the new equipment has included her taking part in two 12 hour mountain bike races in Rotorua and Taupo.

“As a paramedic I saw the need for these special oxygen monitors. I have had a baby on board several times where it would have been nice to have better equipment to monitor their oxygen levels and see how well they were breathing. Children are not little adults, and they come with their own needs and complications. They don’t fit adult monitors,” says Ms Latta.

Hannah has raised $13,500 for the 30 probes and is continuing fundraising to pay for the maintenance of the new equipment for the next three years.

Hannah has also raised money as an Everyday Hero through the Everyday Hero website and through sponsorship. The main sponsor is Harbour City
Security.

The launch and photo opportunity will take place at Wellington Free Ambulance Headquarters, 19 Davis Street, Thorndon at 2 p.m. on Tuesday the 23rd of October.

ENDS

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