TWO members of the public rushed to the aid of a 61-year-old Ohope man this morning after he suffered a cardiac arrest while cycling on Ocean Road.
A 79-year-old ex-nurse and another man trained in CPR and compression, rushed the aid of the man who had collapsed off his bike near the the corner of Tuati Street and Ocean Road at approximately 9.40 am.
Whakatane Police were the first emergency responders on the scene as they were operating a checkpoint nearby on Pohutukawa Avenue.
On arrival, police then took over CPR efforts from the two bystanders.
Ohope Deputy Fire Chief Chris Staniland said the Ohope Volunteer Fire Brigade assisted police, continuing compressions and defibrillation until ambulance staff arrived, stablised the man and transported him to hospital in a critical condition.
Ohope resident Sean Henderson was cycling down Ocean Road at the time and was second on the scene.
Mr Henderson, whose grandfather died 10 years ago to the day, in similar circumstances, said it was remarkable the way the public rallied around assisting the man.
“People ran to get jerseys and blankets to keep the man warm … it was pretty amazing how people helped and responded,” Mr Henderson said.
Mr Staniland said swift action by bystanders had saved many lives in the past and this incident was no exception.
A Whakatane Hospital spokesperson said the man remained in hospital in a critical condition.