From the Pharmacy to the Wilderness

The idea for creating better first aid kits came from a combination of my experiences and skills. As a pharmacist and a mother, I knew the importance of being prepared for any health-related situation. 

Whilst working as a Pharmacist, I loved sharing my days with colleagues and customers. I enjoyed the science, the problem-solving, and the satisfaction of helping people feel better.

Motherhood arrived and coincided with my new role in our own outdoor adventure business as Health & Safety Manager.  I soon became aware of the basic first aid kits on offer to New Zealanders. The fact that they were either too bulky, not rugged enough or filled with multiple plastic plasters and ‘fillers’ lead me to create our own for our staff. 

The idea being that if I created one they trusted to be useful, they would take it with them. 

I saw an opportunity to create something better for others also. Drawing on my pharmaceutical knowledge, I began developing a first aid kit that was practical, portable, and user-friendly. I wanted something that could be used by anyone, whether at home, in the car, or out in the wilderness. 

After months of research, design, and testing, Kate and I launched Parachute First Aid

The Hunters Club and South Seas Spearo have been such an exhilarating adventure for Dave and myself. Producing a show about hunting meant facing unpredictable challenges, from extreme weather to unexpected wildlife encounters. These experiences reinforced the importance of being prepared.

The more I researched, the more I found other situations where comprehensive, user-friendly first aid kits were needed. I wanted to create products that were not only well-equipped but also easy to understand and use. 

My goal was to empower people to feel confident in handling emergencies, whether they're camping, hiking, or simply at home.

Creating our own kits has allowed us to include non traditional items where appropriate – such as electrolyte sachets and wool plasters. 

Finding the best items rather than the traditional contents has been one of the most satisfying parts of the journey.

Looking back, it's been a wild ride. From the calm, controlled environment of a pharmacy to the unpredictable world of reality TV and entrepreneurship, I've learned that life is about embracing challenges and turning them into opportunities. 

Working with Kate has been a dream and I look forward to showing New Zealand and the rest of the world our fresh approach to creating quality First Aid Kits.