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When an elderly man’s vehicle collided with a building in east Auckland on a recent Friday night, people nearby didn’t hesitate to spring into action.
Tragically, the driver was pronounced dead at the scene following the crash near the intersection of Cook Street, Picton Street, and Selwyn Road in Howick just before 6.30pm on March 14.
Among the people who raced to help him are husband and wife Nick and Kirsten Crozier, who were at the Barrel Inn pub at the time.
“We heard a massive crash and went running over to the car,” Kirsten told the Times.
“I didn’t feel a pulse and we both pulled him out of the car. We gave him CPR, but he was deceased.”
Kirsten has worked as a nurse for more than 13 years, so she knows how to check someone’s pulse and how to administer CPR.
She says the driver was the vehicle’s only occupant and she’s since been told he was aged in his early 90s.
“I was literally just trying to save his life. I gave him mouth-to-mouth and my husband was doing chest compressions.
“Another nurse turned up, then a doctor turned up, and a student nurse was there as well.”
Kirsten says someone phoned emergency services as she and her husband performed CPR on the man for about 40 minutes.
Firefighters from the Howick station were the first of the emergency services to arrive at the scene, followed by Hato Hone St John paramedics and then police.
She says she’s asked police to pass on her phone number to the man’s family.
“I’d like to talk to the family, just to say my condolences and to give my regards.
“Everyone helped and it was amazing. It was very much a team effort.
“It was unfortunate that he didn’t make it, but he had the best team [helping him].
“I just want to give my love to his family.”
Police are full of praise for the people who rushed to the driver’s aid that night.
Counties Manukau East Police Inspector Rakana Cook says: “On behalf of your local police, I’d like to acknowledge those who stepped in to provide assistance on Friday evening.
“It shows we have a community that cares. The crash occurred very quickly, at a time that nearby hospitality businesses were busy with locals.
“Tragically, despite the best efforts the driver passed away at the scene.
“I know the community will have the driver’s family in their thoughts.”
The Cook Street business the driver’s vehicle crashed into sustained damage to its exterior wall and one of its windows was cracked.
When the crash happened, police initially said the driver was in a critical condition and the Serious Crash Unit was deploying to the scene.
A spokesperson for Hato Hone St John said it was notified of a motor vehicle incident in Howick at 6.23pm on March 14.
It responded with three ambulances, one rapid response unit, and one manager to the scene.
Police are now making inquiries into the man’s death on behalf of the coroner.
