Super in action and heart’: medal for life-saving Greymouth teen

Thursday, 12 April 2018 - 4:11pm

West Coast Police are very pleased to hear that a young local man is to receive a leading bravery award.

Andrew Field is to be given a Royal Humane Society of New Zealand silver medal for rescuing three boys from a crashed vehicle.

The diesel mechanic, 17 at the time, was first on the scene of the crash at Rough River Bridge near Ikamatua on a dark night in early September last year.

Andrew knew something was wrong when he crossed the wooden bridge on Atarau Rd.

He spotted debris on the bridge and became concerned that a vehicle had gone through the barrier.

Andrew was right. He found a car upside down and half submerged.

After calling emergency services he drove through water to reach the vehicle. Inside he found a man and three children, aged 11 and under.

Andrew grabbed a rock and smashed a window and one by one pulled the children out of the flooded car. He put them in the cab of his ute to warm up before a farmer and emergency services arrived to help.

Sadly, the male driver was not moving and was later declared deceased. Andrew attended his tangi.

Tasman Police District Commander, Superintendent Mike Johnson, commented:

"Andrew exemplifies the qualities in this action that are a real credit to him and his family. By taking immediate action I am certain that he saved lives.
He put others first and saved three young children by demonstrating incredible instinct and practical can-do in a high-pressured situation.

I’m sure that without his action the children involved would have been in grave danger for a longer period. Police wholeheartedly agree that this young man did a tremendous job and displays the characteristics of true heroism."

One member of local Police says the teenager is the epitome of a true hero; super in action and heart.

Another emergency service attendee says Andrew showed maturity and performed heroic actions.

He will receive his Royal Humane Society of New Zealand silver medal in June from the Governor-General, Her Excellency The Rt Hon Dame Patsy Reddy.

ENDS

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