Call goes out for MIST volunteers

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

St John has put a call out for people to join as a Major Incident Support Team volunteer — a team who provide a world-leading response to major incidents and large events across the country.

MIST, as it is known, requires non-clinical people to deploy and assist the wider ambulance operations team at planned and unplanned major events.

“This can range from concerts and festivals to unplanned large-scale events such as disaster response,” Central East volunteer support manager Trudy Haringa said.

“MIST work is challenging and varied and includes responding as part of a larger team with a strong inclusive culture.

“It is extremely rewarding.”

Volunteers need to be able to respond within 30 minutes of a call-out.

“There are four major areas where you can be involved — Administration - tracking patients, staff and vehicles; Communications - specialist communications at an incident; Welfare - looking after staff who are responding; Logistics - moving and setting up infrastructure, tents and vehicles,” Ms Haringa said.

“Volunteers need to be physically fit, in good health, a team player and able to work well under pressure.

“Those requirements are all vital to completing your MIST training with Hato Hone St John.

“We provide training and ongoing support to all our volunteers.

“MIST training includes a thorough induction and courses in risk management and driving,” she said.

“Volunteers who join our whānau also have access to benefits, discounts, wellbeing support and much more.”

People interested can follow an easy online application process by visiting join.stjohn.org.nz/volunteer-jobs or contact Ms Haringa at trudy.haringa@stjohn.org.nz, or call

027-227-0964.