21/09/2026
We’re often asked, “What’s the difference between your roles?” or “Why are there so many ambulances here?”-so here’s a little insight into our green team! 🚑💚
Across the Manukau Area, we have four ambulance stations based in Manukau, Māngere, Howick and Tāmaki. These stations are typically staffed by Emergency Medical Technicians, Paramedics, Critical Care Paramedics, Extended Care Paramedics and Intensive Care Paramedics.
We’re also incredibly fortunate to have two amazing First Response Units based in Beachlands and Kawakawa Bay. These local responders are trained to First Responder and in some cases EMT level and provide immediate-and often lifesaving-care until an ambulance crew can arrive from one of our stations from across the Manukau Area of further afar.
Our ambulance service includes several different Authority to Practise levels, known as ATPs. Each has a different range of clinical skills and treatments. Depending on a patient’s needs, crews may request support from another clinician to ensure they receive the best possible care.
🟢 First Responder (FR)
Often the first level of clinical response, providing immediate lifesaving care such as CPR, bleeding control and oxygen therapy. They are generally crewed alongside an EMT or higher.
🟢 Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
EMTs hold a Diploma in Ambulance Practice and provide a broad range of emergency assessment and treatment. Their scope includes oral, inhaled and intramuscular medications, alongside essential emergency care and patient transport.
🟢 Paramedic (PARA)
Paramedics hold a university degree in paramedicine. In addition to the treatments provided by EMTs, they can establish intravenous access, administer a wider range of medications and perform advanced procedures such as cardioversion.
Some clinicians undertake postgraduate study and additional training to move into specialised roles:
🟢 Critical Care Paramedic (CCP)
CCPs specialise in caring for critically ill or injured patients in the pre-hospital environment. They provide advanced treatments and procedures, including rapid sequence intubation.
🟢 Extended Care Paramedic (ECP)
ECPs specialise in urgent and community-based care, helping many patients receive appropriate treatment at home. Their broad scope includes wound care, suturing and catheter troubleshooting or replacement.
🟢 Intensive Care Paramedic (ICP)
You may also meet an ICP. This was the predecessor qualification to today’s CCP role. ICPs continue to provide advanced care, although they do not routinely perform rapid sequence intubation.
We could talk about our people and their skills all day, but hopefully this gives you a better understanding of why several members of our green team may arrive- and how each person contributes to providing the right care when you need it most.
❤️🚑🚨