Eersterivier resident praises Ottery firefighters for life-saving assistance
Nathan Gardiner, a resident from Eersterivier, expresses his gratitude to officers Pamela Zotwa.
Image: Facebook
A resident has taken to social media to applaud and recognise firefighters stationed at Ottery Fire Station for saving his life and transporting his colleagues to work when he was too weak and sick to do so.
Nathan Gardiner, a resident of Eersterivier, expressed his gratitude to officers Pamela Zotwa and Craig Apollis, who went above the call of duty on the morning of May 22, when he became ill behind the wheel while transporting his colleagues to work.
He said his symptoms started that morning with bouts of vomiting.
“In the early hours of May 22 at approximately 12:30am, I woke up feeling extremely nauseous, which led to repeated vomiting. Unsure of the cause, I drank some water and returned to bed,” he said.
“The same symptoms occurred again at around 2:30am and 3:30am, and by then I had started feeling very weak. After drinking more water, I felt slightly better.
“At around 4:30am, I began preparing for work.
“Although I still did not feel well, I decided to continue because I had people depending on me through my lift club. I informed my passengers that I was unwell and that I would only be dropping them off before seeking medical attention.”
Gardiner explained that he began feeling unwell behind the wheel and started vomiting in the vicinity of Wetton Circle.
Nathan Gardiner, with Craig Apollis
Image: Facebook
“While driving from Eersterivier via Lansdowne Road, passing Wetton Circle and heading in the direction of the fire station, I suddenly became extremely nauseous again,” he said.
“I felt feverish, weak, and disoriented. I managed to pull over just past the mosque on the right-hand side of the road before vomiting out of my vehicle.
“My vision became blurry, and I struggled to remain focused.”
But in that moment, it was the action taken by Officer Zotwa, who had been travelling to work herself, who noticed that something was wrong and took matters into her own hands.
“At that moment, a voice from across the road called out, asking if I was alright and whether I needed assistance,” Gardiner said.
“A well-presented lady approached me, calmly identified herself as a fire officer, and introduced herself as Officer Pamela Zotwa so that I could feel comfortable accepting her help.
“I agreed to her assistance, and she immediately stepped in with professionalism, kindness, and calmness. She drove my vehicle, safely dropped off my passengers at their workplaces, and continuously spoke to me to monitor my awareness and condition.
“During our conversation, I asked Officer Zotwa where she was coming from so early in the morning.
“She explained that she travels from Eersterivier using public transport and still has quite a distance to walk to work. I could not help but admire her bravery, especially as a woman travelling alone in the dark and yet she still chose to put her own safety aside to assist a complete stranger in need.”
Gardiner said he owed his life to the officer’s response and compassion: “Officer Pamela Zotwa, you may very well have saved my life that morning. Officer Zotwa drove us to the fire department and ensured that I received medical attention before continuing with her own duties."
Gardiner said Zotwa’s colleague, Apollis, then stepped in to assist with his medical condition.
“Upon arrival, I was handed over to Officer Craig Apollis at approximately 6:45am. He immediately checked my vitals, carefully observed my physical and emotional condition, and handled the situation with the same level of professionalism, compassion, and care,” he said.
“Not all heroes wear capes. Sometimes they are simply kind-hearted people who choose to help others when it matters most.”
Mayco member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, said the officers had shown exceptional diligence and compassion.
"I am incredibly proud of the actions of the staff members involved in this incident and express appreciation to Mr. Gardiner for taking the time to acknowledge them. They are true ambassadors, and their actions in particular that of Officer Zotwa – show once more the pride that the majority of our staff members take in their duties and their commitment to serving and protecting the public.”