Key Takeaways
- A 78-year-old woman, Sandra Bristowe, was saved by two council workers, Josevaia Tikomaihawai and Eruera Irwin, who happened to be in the area to fix a water leak.
- Bristowe was weed-whacking in her front garden when she felt dizzy and fell to the ground, calling for help.
- Tikomaihawai and Irwin heard her calls for help and came to her aid, keeping her comfortable and shielding her from the sun until an ambulance arrived.
- Bristowe suffered a cardiac arrest in the ambulance and needed five shocks from a defibrillator to restart her heart.
- The family is grateful for the quick actions of the council workers, who they credit with saving Bristowe’s life.
Introduction to the Miracle
A remarkable story of chance and heroism has emerged from Rotorua, where a 78-year-old woman, Sandra Bristowe, was saved by two council workers who happened to be in the area. Bristowe was weed-whacking in her front garden when she felt dizzy and fell to the ground, calling for help. By chance, Rotorua Lakes Council workers Josevaia Tikomaihawai and Eruera Irwin were arriving to fix a water leak at a neighboring property, parking outside Bristowe’s home in Phillip St. Tikomaihawai heard the calls for help and eventually spotted Bristowe on the ground, prompting him and Irwin to rush to her aid.
The Dramatic Rescue
Tikomaihawai and Irwin kept Bristowe comfortable and attempted to shield her from the sun as they waited for an ambulance to arrive. Bristowe said she remembered very little of the incident, but did recall someone praying – that someone was Tikomaihawai. The two council workers were first aid-trained, which likely contributed to their quick thinking and effective response. After being alerted, two contractors who were already on the site called an ambulance, and Bristowe was taken to the hospital where she suffered a cardiac arrest and needed five shocks from a defibrillator to restart her heart.
A Family’s Gratitude
The Bristowe family is incredibly grateful for the actions of Tikomaihawai and Irwin, who they credit with saving Sandra’s life. Grand-daughter Shannyn Bristowe said that if the two council workers had not come across Sandra, she would not be alive today. Instead, Sandra was able to meet her newest grandchild, Te Manako, who was born a few days later. The family is also grateful for the care Sandra received from the ambulance to the hospital, which they described as "outstanding". Rotorua Lakes Council chief executive Andrew Moraes said he was "really proud" of the two council workers, who he described as "council legends".
A New Lease on Life
Sandra Bristowe has now been fitted with an automated internal defibrillator, which should shock her heart back into a normal rhythm if she should have another cardiac arrest. She faces some major lifestyle changes, including putting the weed-eater into retirement, with power tools off-limits. Despite these changes, Bristowe is ready to adjust and is grateful to be alive. She still intends to look after her garden, but will have to do so in a way that is safer for her health. Bristowe’s story is a testament to the importance of community and the impact that individuals can have on each other’s lives.
Recognition for the Heroes
Water services delivery manager Jason Dunweg said all field staff were first aid-trained, and he was "relieved" to hear of Bristowe’s recovery. He praised Tikomaihawai and Irwin for their quick actions, saying that they "just did what we hope anyone would do in such a situation". The two council workers have been hailed as heroes, and their actions have been recognized by the Rotorua Lakes Council. The incident highlights the importance of having first aid-trained staff in the community, and the difference that they can make in emergency situations.