Otago Paramedic wins RWNZ/Access Scholarship

Annabel Taylor is no stranger to rural medical emergencies and farm accidents, and now she’ll be even better equipped to deal with them, thanks to winning this year’s $3,000 Rural Women NZ/Access Scholarship.

As a St John paramedic based in Taieri, Annabel works for both the Otago Regional Rescue Helicopter and the Dunedin ambulance service, responding to calls for help from the rural community.

The scholarship will help cover Annabel’s expenses as she studies for a year-long Postgraduate Certificate in Speciality Care, Advanced Paramedic Practice at Whitireia Polytechnic in Porirua, near Wellington.  The course includes distance learning and she’ll also be flying to Wellington six times a year for block courses.

Access CEO, Graeme Titcombe, says, “Annabel was chosen for her academic excellence, professional dedication in providing medical care to remote and isolated rural communities, and for the potential benefit her study can bring to the rural sector she serves.”

The annual Rural Women NZ/Access Scholarship is given to health worker who wishes to further their health or disability studies at post-graduate level, with a focus on the rural sector.  Annabel was chosen from a strong field of 30 applicants.

Annabel says she is absolutely delighted to be awarded the scholarship. When she’s completed her training she will be apply to become an intensive care paramedic.

“I believe the rural sector is deserving of the most highly educated and skilled health professionals available, whether this be in the form of a rescue helicopter crew or a metropolitan ambulance meeting a rural crew on the side of the road to help in a crisis.”

Annabel already holds a PRIME nursing qualification and post graduate diploma in health sciences.

Annabel’s win was featured in the ODT.  More