According to a Northland paramedic who is working in Christchurch stated that the work is more about treating trauma and not rescue work alone.

The city was hit by an earthquake on Tuesday afternoon and from across New Zealand, medical professionals were flown in to this city to take care of affected people.

On Tuesday night, Mark Going, a paramedic, along with three others who were joined by Northland ambulance officers on Wednesday flew from Whangarei.

According to Going, injured survivors were treated for the first few days only and after that it is all about handling the trauma that people have suffered.

He said, “When you're out treating people, it's not only the physical things like treating a wound or dealing with a medical problem. One of the biggest things is to assist in their emotional situation as well, and taking a holistic approach. It's listening to their emotional needs and concerns.”

It was also added that it was not an easy job as it was more of mental nature than physical.

Paramedics said that they had never seen an earthquake and it was difficult for them to digest what had just happened at the city.