I am a qualified nurse (BSc) with 18 years experience in trauma and medical care in the UK and here at Christchurch Hospital, where I was the Health and Safety Rep.
I also worked as an NZQA qualified first aid trainer with Red Cross for 6 years. I have been involved with Sumner Coastguard since 2011. As well as being a Skipper, I am coxswain for inshore boats and Unit Training Officer and Coordinator. I deliver first aid courses for Coastguard and have recently revalidated first aid certificates for crew in Queenstown, Riverton, Bluff, Kaikoura, Kaipoi and Sumner. Prior to becoming a nurse, I worked on a North Sea oil rig as a roughneck and firefighter. I embrace the outdoor life and I have competed in multisport events. I have a wealth of medical knowledge and experience in emergency situations to share in my first aid training courses. I have a passion for teaching and enjoy helping others learn.
Dave’s medical experience in high trauma situations has benefited the unit with practical experience which he shares generously. His training scenarios are legendary, delivered with plenty of humour and keeps the first aid skills of the crew to a high standard. Dave reliably turns up for callouts during which he maintains a calm, professional presence, recently involved with rescuing a kayaker on the Sumner bar and assessing an injured hang glider (watch video) during an evacuation to the helicopter