Galant ‘heroes’ step up to save a life
‘‘As I turned around I saw the boy go under the boat right before my eyes.’’
People who are first at the scene of a serious accident often talk about the blurriness they experience in a moment of chaos.
Dannielle Buckton and Rebecca Johnson know what it feels like firsthand.
The pair were first on the scene of a serious accident in Waihou last Tuesday when a sixyear-old boy was run over by a boat and trailer straight after he got off the school bus.
Te Aroha College year 12 student Dannielle was also getting off the bus.
‘‘As I turned around I saw the boy go under the boat right before my eyes,’’ she said.
After the initial shock subsided, instinct took over and both Dannielle and Johnson - who was collecting her own son from the bus - jumped to his aid.
Johnson tended to the seriously injured boy, while Dannielle called an ambulance.
‘‘Dannielle did fantastically, to keep calm and collected,’’ Johnson said.
‘‘In situations like this, you’d expect someone of her age to freeze, she did the complete opposite, I’m so proud of her.’’
Dannielle kept everyone calm and made sure the driver of the SUV was alright.
‘‘He (the driver) was visibly distressed,’’ she said.
‘‘It was like instinct took over and I had to make sure that everyone was OK.’’
Nearly a week on from the accident, the pair were acknowledged at a special assembly at Te Aroha College on Monday with a presentation of special awards by MatamataPiako District Mayor Jan Barnes.
Te Aroha College principal Heather Gorrie said the pair were heroes who stepped up when it was needed the most.
‘‘In the longest 20 minutes of their lives, Rebecca and Dannielle through their courage and calm response saved this wee man’s life,’’ she said.