Taupo Times

Lights, sirens and action

- TAMARA THORN

Lights and sirens were going off at Taupo-nui-a-Tia College as emergency services attempted to convince students to join the force.

The vocational pathways presentati­on gave students a chance to talk with emergency services about their jobs and what the role entails.

People from the Department of Conservati­on, Early Childhood Education, Hospitals, Physiother­apist, Fire, Ambulance and Police, to talk about the highlights of their job.

Firefighte­r Barry Hogan said being in the fire service was about more then just going to house fires.

‘‘For some reason, we’re perceived to be the people to call when your hot water cylinder breaks and your house floods.’’

He said the crew also encounters bizarre phone calls, ‘‘and yes we do get asked to rescue cats from trees.’’

Paramedic Kate Shepherd said her job has a lot of variety which makes for an interestin­g and varied working day.

‘‘Recently I got called out to someone who had a moth in their ear,’’ she said.

‘‘The thing is, people genuinely thank us.

‘‘It’s not a thankless job at all. People call us because they want us there and they need our help.

She said it’s all about helping people and not always saving lives.

‘‘But saving lives is pretty cool too.’’

Year 12 student Joseph Darge said the role of a paramedic was interestin­g.

‘‘Recently I got called out to someone who had a moth in their ear.’’ Kate Shepherd

 ?? TAMARA THORN/FAIRFAX NZ ?? Greer Mcbren, Caitlin Officer and Caitlin Hamilton talk checked out the fire truck at the careers expo
TAMARA THORN/FAIRFAX NZ Greer Mcbren, Caitlin Officer and Caitlin Hamilton talk checked out the fire truck at the careers expo

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