Maddie

WISH AMBULANCE DRIVER AND WISH DAY LEAD | AMBULANCE WISH SA

About Maddie  

Madeline (Maddie) has been volunteering with Ambulance Wish SA for the past few months as both a Wish Ambulance Driver and Wish Day Lead. She supports recipients on their final wish journeys, helping create meaningful moments, offering companionship and ensuring each experience is as special and memorable as possible.

Maddie reflects: “If you want to do something meaningful with your free time, love chatting with people and hearing their life stories, and want a rewarding role, then this is 100% for you. I only joined a couple of months ago and I can’t wait for the next Wish and the next one after that.”

Q&A Interview:

Disclaimer: The views expressed are the opinions and thoughts of our interviewees, reflecting on their own experiences and views.

Please describe your role/tasks you undertake as a Volunteer in relation to palliative care?

I drive the Ambulance to and from the recipient and to and from their Wish with them. I can also be the Lead for the wish and write down any special moments that happened and have the privilege of giving the recipient a stuffed bear and blanket which always brings them joy.

What inspired you to become a volunteer in palliative care?

I have always had a passion for helping people and I just thought that being able to take someone on their last wish would be the most incredible experience and would be so rewarding. I just wanted to help play my part for the community.

What benefits do you receive from volunteering in palliative care?

have the benefit of being able to connect with the recipients in such a unique and special way and also make so many new friends that are also volunteers with Ambulance Wish SA.

What benefits do patients/families receive from palliative care volunteers?

The benefits of being able to see how happy it makes the recipients. Also seeing the joy they bring to their family as they can also see a huge smile or glow on the recipient’s face and it’s contagious and makes everyone smile.

What support do you receive associated with your palliative care volunteering role?

I have made friends within Ambulance Wish SA that I know I can use as references for future opportunities and to talk to whenever I need. We have meeting prior to Wishes, so I know exactly what I’m doing on a Wish day, and I have an open line of communication with the coordinator to ask questions at any point. 

What would you like to see included into future Palliative Care volunteering services?

More supplies in the ambulance that we may need on the road (i.e. pads, disposable containers to empty catheters into etc) 

What advice would you give to someone who is considering becoming a volunteer in palliative care?

If you want to do something meaningful with your free time, you love chatting with people and hearing their life stories and want a rewarding role then this is 100% for you!! I only joined a couple months ago and I can’t WAIT for the next Wish and the next one after that.