St John give new uniform thumbs up

St John Western Bay of Plenty territory manager Ross Clarke (left), with Tauranga ambulance officers Steven Pasquaili, Lynn Cuming and Doug Gorinski, in the new uniforms.

St John ambulance officers are sporting a new look this week in what is the organisation's first major uniform upgrade in 12 years.

While the green strip is a departure from the traditional white shirt, black pants and green jacket the public has come to know, changes were necessary for functionality, comfort and cost. Green is also the internationally-recognised colour associated with medical care.

Frontline staff are embracing the change.

"It's much more appropriate for the type of work we do, especially the cargo pants," says St John Western Bay of Plenty territory manager Ross Clarke.

"They have pockets down the side that you can put syringes and equipment in and the elastic waistband is so much more comfortable to bend and work in."

He also says the darker shirts are more practical.

"White shirts showed up everything!"

The uniform update is a pragmatic and cost-effective move.

"St John has estimated there will be a saving of about $400,000 over three years, including replacement and roll-out costs," he says.

He believes the new uniform will enhance frontline staff's ability to operate well while treating and caring for the public.

St John's last major uniform overhaul was in 2002.

New Zealand uniform and corporate workwear company Profile Limited will supply the uniforms.

In New Zealand ambulance services operate, 24 hours a day, seven days a week treating and transport approximately 400,000 people every year -- using ambulances, four-wheel drive vehicles, rapid response units, motorcycles and other specialist vehicles to ensure they can reach people at any hour of the day in almost any terrain, weather or situation.