But his actions from last year have been nationally recognised for locating a missing woman in critical condition.
His quick action in an emergency incident was honoured at the New Zealand Road Safety, Emergency Response and Healthcare Awards, in Christchurch yesterday.
The Cromwell man was given the Community Service award.
"I feel pretty privileged to be recognised ... I was just doing what I thought anyone would do — keeping an eye out after seeing all the police activity and posts online," Mr Baty said.
Mr Baty was driving on State Highway6 in his work truck last November when he slowed down for road works being done on the Nevis Bluff. Out of the corner of his eye he spotted something red.
It was a car, covered by branches. Colleen Reid, of Allanton, was trapped inside.
A search for Mrs Reid, who had failed to turn up at Queenstown Airport to pick up a relative, had been under way for more than a day.
"I don’t know if you can prepare yourself for something like that because you don’t know what you’re going to see ... I’m just thankful she was alive."
He called 111 immediately after finding her conscious.
Mrs Reid had suffered a medical event, lost control of her car and was trapped inside it for more than 24 hours.
An extensive land and air search by police had failed to spot her, as did hundreds of other cars passing through.
Police had publicised her disappearance, which Mr Baty was aware of.
Senior Sergeant Steve Watt, of Queenstown, emphasised how vital Mr Baty’s actions were when putting him up for the national award.
"Without Mr Baty, she would most likely would not have been found in time and would have perished," Snr Sgt Watt wrote in his nomination.
"I have no doubt that his dedication to finding Colleen saved her life."
He said the incident highlighted the importance of the community in emergency situations and an individual who took the time to listen to police calls for assistance and actively helped.
Mr Baty was also recognised on the day of the incident.
"With it being a small town, the helicopter pilot knew my boss and he called him and said, ‘Your driver’s a legend’."
Mr Baty’s award was established by the The New Zealand Road Safety, Emergency Response and Healthcare Awards to recognise members of the community who have provided outstanding care or support to a road trauma victim and for making an influential difference to their treatment, recovery or rehabilitation.
- By Lauren Pattemore
