She was one of three long-serving volunteers recognised for their efforts at the North Otago St John ambulance awards on Friday night.
Mrs Familton (80) added a second gold bar to her 12-year service medal, replacing multiple silver bars, for her 42 years' service.
Also honoured were Myrel Parsons (22 years) and David McDonald (32 years).
Mrs Familton said a desire to try something new led to a pastime she dedicated more than half of her life to.
''My boys were growing up and being a mother, I needed an interest for myself, so I joined the first aid class and didn't leave.
''I love helping people. I enjoyed the nursing and patient care side of it and you're friends with everybody. I've enjoyed every bit of it.''
From being on duty at rugby and netball games to helping out with Meals on Wheels, she has been a major part of the organisation in North Otago.
She was made an officer of the Oamaru combined division in 1981 and promoted to acting divisional superintendent shortly afterwards.
In 1982 she became a qualified volunteer ambulance officer, a role she performed for 16 years.
Mrs Familton also served on the area committee, received a Priory Vote of Thanks in 1991, a Serving Sister medal in 2000 and has been involved with St John's hospitaler, fellowship and hospital friends groups.
She still volunteers at Oamaru Hospital for an hour each week and said she had no desire to stop.
Mrs Familton said in her four decades of involvement changes in technology had made a huge difference, from stretchers to helicopters.
''It's more up-to-date now with stretchers. We had to carry our patients [to ambulances] in our day. We used to have to lift them in. We have the helicopters now that come in when they're needed and the fire department helps a lot, too.''
