No day is the same for Hato Hone St John paramedics, but for Mat Delaney, the desire to serve his community remains constant.

“You’re there in a patient’s time of need, whatever that may be. It’s a privileged position to be in.”

Delaney was 14 when he joined the Hato Hone St John youth programme. Now, 26 years later, he’s Hato Hone St John’s area operations manager for Western Bay of Plenty.

“I was keen on medicine after high school,” he said. “I’d thought about becoming a doctor, so it seemed like a great way to explore that path.”

By 16, Delaney was supporting community events and later worked at major sports games and concerts in Auckland. After studying at Auckland University, he went f fulltime as an ambulance officer.

“I attended my first cardiac arrest when I was 21.Now I’m employing 21-year-olds. You develop personal resilience strategies like surfing or running, whatever fills your cup.”

Delaney said he was drawn to the unpredictability of paramedic work, recalling one instance when he was called to what turned out to be cat scratches, and the sense of service.

“I was raised by parents with a strong community focus. Helping people in their most vulnerable moments has always felt like an honour. Now, as area manager, I get to support an entire team of staff to do this.”

He’s passionate about encouraging young people to get involved in Hato Hone St John cadet programme.

Mat Delaney and Alana Gage-Brown prepare to serve the community with Hato Hone St John. Photo / Debbie Griffiths

The programme is open to children aged 5 to 18 and offers youth the opportunity to develop first aid knowledge, leadership skills and teamwork – all while having fun.

Cadets meet regularly to learn new skills and participate in a range of activities, from camps and competitions to hands-on first aid and community service, while earning badges along the way via a specially designed curriculum. The programme aims to teach rangatahi to better care for themselves, care for others and care for their communities.

“The cadet programme is a great way to build life skills and confidence,” he said. “If something we teach a young person helps their family one day, then job done.”

That message resonated with Tauranga 14-year-old Alana Gage-Brown, who begged her mum to sign her up after seeing a flyer at the age of 8.

Now a Year 10 student at Ōtūmoetai College and a corporal in St John, Alana has grown in confidence, her leadership ability and her skills in first aid.

“I kind of brag to my friends that if they broke a leg or had a seizure, I’d know what to do,” she laughed. “I used to be so skittish, but the mock scenarios and training have helped a lot.”

Alana hopes to become a lawyer one day – but right now she’s focused on the annual St John Interdistrict competition this Saturday, May 17, which will bring together cadets from around the upper North Island, including the Bay of Plenty, Lakes, Taranaki, King Country, Waikato, East Coast and Tokoroa divisions.

The competition sends teams of four into scenario-based tasks – such as an accident, a DIY accident, playground mishap, medical event, etc – and they have 10 minutes to enter and treat the “patients” they find.

“It’s big this year,” said Alana. “I’m so excited. We get to put everything we’ve trained for into practice.”

For Delaney, resilience and a cool head under pressure are key to what can be a high-pressure job.

“If you’re passionate about making a difference, love problem-solving and can handle stress, it could be the perfect fit.”

To join the Hato Hone St John youth programme, visit: youth.stjohn.org.nz