Whether it's an emergency on land, air or sea, Northland St John paramedics are the people to count on when the chips are down.
And now some intensive care paramedics will be better equipped to deal with offshore and coastal emergency situations thanks to a new training partnership.
Five St John Flight Intensive Care paramedics working aboard the Northland Emergency Services Trust (NEST) rescue helicopters are aiming for their Surf Lifeguard Award - formerly the bronze surf medallion - in order to become better rescue swimmers.
NEST advanced paramedic Andrew Ferguson is one of the rescue swimmers who has been training with Whangarei Heads Surf Lifesaving for two weeks.
"Part of the NEST role is water rescue and the surf lifesavers are in a prime position to pass on some of their expertise,' Mr Ferguson said.