An Otago Daily Times paper boy says he was just happy to help after delivering aid to an elderly man in distress yesterday.
Matt Taylor (14) was delivering copies of the ODT at Chatsford Retirement Village, Mosgiel, about 6am yesterday, when he noticed lights were on and curtains open inside one of the units.
Thinking that was unusual given the early hour, he peeked through the window and saw an elderly man lying on the floor and blood on the ground. Matt tried the door, which was unlocked, and rushed inside to help.
He tried to talk to the man but, after being unable to wake him, used his cellphone to call 111. He then stayed with the man, talking to him, until St John paramedics arrived to provide assistance.
Yesterday afternoon, Matt said he hoped the man pulled through, and he was just pleased to be able to offer some help.
"If I was like that, I would hope someone would do the same for me," Matt said.
Chatsford Retirement Village staff declined to comment when contacted, citing privacy, and the man’s condition was not available yesterday.
Matt’s mother, Robyn, said she was "very proud" of her son’s actions, "Well done to him. It was awesome."
Allied Press circulation department office manager Dave Bretz was also full of praise.
The company’s delivery staff were trained to keep their "heads up" and be aware of their surroundings while working, he said.
"He’s obviously a very vigilant young man ... He’s a credit to our delivery staff."
