“It is an absolute joy and privilege to work in my hometown on the West coast as an Emergency Medical Technician with St John. The roster is two day shifts, two night shifts and then four days off, which I spend hunting or hiking somewhere in the hills, on the river fishing or surfing at the various beaches. What inspired me to work in Westport was the closer connection I have with the community in which I serve and the sense of purpose when compared with working in a city. Additionally, the more reasonable workload in rural areas enabled me to study full-time by distance towards a Bachelor of Health Science (paramedic) while also working full-time earning a living.”