Great community spirit

I want to comment concerning the great CHB community spirit and friendliness.

On Friday, October 27 about 1.30pm, my wife and I were shopping at New World Waipukurau. As we were going through the checkout being operated by Jo, I had the misfortune to faint.

On falling, I managed to gash my left arm, which of course left a pool of blood. Without hesitation, Sue, the first-aid-trained staff member on duty, sprung into action and, along with her daughter, soon had me patched up.

The staff on duty all had some part in my care, whether it was providing reassurance, cleaning up the area or keeping my personal space clear. I will also make a mention of a greyhaired man who appeared to be in his late 60s and helped me up off the floor. He soon disappeared. I would also like to mention the lady who called her son Alex to come and assess my injuries. This being because as it happens, the ambulance was busy with triage of other more urgent patients than I.

Alex soon arrived, called in from his leisure and day off from the ambulance service. He assessed my injury and arranged for my transport to the Tukituki Medical Centre. He reported to the medical team there of my injury assessment, and after again assuring me, he left me with the comment that he lives and works in the community and was more than happy to help out.

I was seen by Dr Stephens, who soon had me stitched up and on my way home. He, too took time out from his busy schedule to attend to me. My wife and I moved to the area 18 months ago, and from day one have been blown away by the community spirit and help we have received each and every day. I offer my personal thanks to the community, and especially those involved with my escapade on that Friday. If there was some award available to be given to these kind people, I would certainly be the nominator. I am humbled by the aroha shown to me and my wife. I am recovering and, along with my arm, my ego has been bruised.