Wong Soon Wong Soon
Meet Wong Soon, a registered and practising paramedic for Hato Hone St John and an original member of MAPmedics.
Wong Soon (left) with New Zealand Air Force pilots and Hato Hone St John paramedic Louis Tyrell (right(
My name is Wong Soon, and I am of Samoan and Chinese descent. I am from the villages of Iva, Salelologa, Sala‘ilua, Palauli, Gataivai and many more villages in Samoa.
Tell us about yourself
I graduated with a Bachelor of Health Science in Paramedicine in June 2021. I have been a registered paramedic since then, employed by Hato Hone St John (HHStJ) Ambulance Service. I am currently practicing in Auckland, based at the Tamaki Ambulance Station in Otahuhu. Additionally, I have been a casual clinical educator for the AUT Paramedicine department since 2021 and continue to teach during tutorials at the Manukau South campus when I can.
Tell us how you give back to your community
In my free time, I often travel to Samoa to visit my family in Savai'i. Last year (2024), I had the opportunity to visit twice. The first visit was in January for my late grandparents’ unveiling ceremonies. During this trip, I was able to connect with my close friend, Commander David Masoe of the Samoa Fire and Emergency Services Authority (SFESA). Through his support, I visited the Maota Fire Station in Savai'i, where I conducted a short Basic Life Support (BLS) block course for some of the local first responders. Although my time was limited, I also caught up with David and met the Commissioner of SFESA in Apia, on the main island of Upolu.
My second visit was for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). I was fortunate to be selected as part of a team of 20 highly experienced and skilled paramedics from HHStJ across the country. We were deployed to Samoa on the 17th of October 2024 via the NZ Airforce.
Tell us about your experiences at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM)
Hato Hone St John ambulance officers at CHOGM 2024
Upon arriving in Samoa, we were fortunate to stay at the Orator Hotel in Upolu. We had four days to orient ourselves around the town of Apia and the main island of Upolu.
During this time, I received a temporary registration/practicing certificate, which allowed me to practice as a paramedic in Samoa, much like I would in New Zealand. Our shifts began on 21st October and ran until the 26th, including 12-hour day and night shifts.
I was paired with my crew partner, Louis Tyrell (HHStJ Paramedic), and one of the local ambulance officers, Daniel Toluono. We were assigned to specific locations and travelled around in an HHStJ events ambulance. Our role was to provide coverage for venues hosting meetings and to participate in several motorcades for VIPs travelling around Samoa.
We collaborated with local agencies, such as SFESA, Samoa Police, and the Samoa Emergency Medical Assistance Team, as well as other New Zealand agencies, including the NZ Police Force, Fire & Emergency NZ, the NZ Medical Assistance Team, and more international agencies.
Critical Care Paramedic Hugo (left), paramedic Wong Soon (centre) and paramedic Louis (right) in Samoa for CHOGM 2024.
What were some stand out moments for you at CHOGM?
During CHOGM, I had the privilege of being present for some significant moments, such as the arrival of His Majesty King Charles III at Faleolo Airport, the opening ceremony, and I was assigned with Louis to travel in the motorcade for the Spouses' trip to Savai'i. On this day trip to Savai'i, I had the opportunity to visit the local Maota Fire Station, meet the crew, and "show and tell" about the ambulance and the equipment we carried.
I was fortunate to meet many leaders serving Samoa and New Zealand at the time, as well as several leaders from other Commonwealth countries, including meeting His Majesty at the Sheraton Hotel in Apia.
I was also lucky to have my uncles, Fitu and Mark, who came from Savai'i, visit me while I was in Apia for CHOGM. There were numerous highlights from this event, and the experience was extremely unique. It provided many moments to be proud of and reflect on. The entire experience was what I cherished most, as I had the opportunity to witness the tiny country of Samoa—where I was raised by my late grandparents—host an incredible and unforgettable CHOGM, marking the first time a Pacific country had done so.
