St John is demanding the Government come to its aid to keep the vital ambulance service saving lives.
The charity is facing a multi-million dollar deficit, and is receiving mixed messages from the Government.
The Government currently funds 72 per cent of operating costs through the Ministry of Health and ACC. The other 28 per cent, about $65 million, comes from ambulance charges and fundraising.
St John paramedic and manager Murray Holt says the ambulance service needs more staff, an Auckland control room upgrade and modern vehicles and equipment.
"It would make a huge difference for people on the front line to provide them with the best equipment to save lives and pay them what they deserve," he told Seven Sharp.
Mr Holt believes the complex training and decisions St John staff have to make means they should be paid more.
"Our staff deserve better," he said.
Whatever happens Mr Holt says "this situation cannot continue the way that it is."
Health Minister David Clark said he was not unsympathetic to the calls from St John .
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