Kids saved from burning car: 'It was all so sudden'

A Palmerston North woman is reluctant to label herself a hero despite saving two young children from a burning car in a supermarket carpark.

Tamsin Duckmanton, 28, was awarded the Royal Humane Society of New Zealand's silver medal by Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae at Government House in Wellington today.

Ms Duckmanton exhibited extreme bravery, and quick thinking, when the interior of a people-mover caught fire in a supermarket carpark in Palmerston North on January 14, 2014.

The interior of the car was gutted by the flames. Photo / Manawatu Guardian

A 3-year-old, and a 10-month-old were inside the car, while their mother was collecting medication from a nearby pharmacy.

Those present at today's ceremony, were told that Ms Duckmanton was putting groceries away in her own car, when she heard calls that two children were trapped in a burning car.

She responded immediately by running to the car, where people were working to pull the carseats from the backseat.

Knowing the carseats would be strapped in, Ms Duckmanton jumped in the back and worked quickly to unbuckle the children.

Eyewitnesses at the time described the burning interior as a fireball, and despite the burning flames, she managed to unbuckle the baby girl, then while holding her in her arms, reach over and unbuckle the toddler.

Because she was holding the baby she asked the toddler to jump to her, before carrying both children to safety.

Ms Duckmanton and the two children were treated for smoke inhalation and burns at the scene, by St John paramedics. The baby was taken to hospital for observation.

Ms Duckmanton said despite all the anxiety on the day, she could still recall what happened.

"It was all so sudden, it happened so quick, so I only got time to re-think about it when I sat down after I had been in the ambulance, but yeah I do remember quite [vividly] the day."

Ms Duckmanton said it was "overwhelming" to receive a medal at today's ceremony, which she attended with her mum and other members of her family.

Despite her brave actions on the day, Ms Duckmanton is reluctant to label herself a hero.

"I don't think anyone reacted as quick as I did, but if I hadn't of done it someone else, I'm sure, would of come straight after me.

"I'm not the quick to react person normally, so it was just instant thinking... it was just - do it."

Also recognised at today's ceremony was Benjamin Dare and John Oakes.

Mr Dare saved the life of his injured climbing partner, Scott Blackford-Scheele, in their attempt to climb Anidesha Chuli in Nepal in April 2013.

Mr Oakes, a helicopter pilot, was recognised for going to the aid of three people injured in a helicopter crash in Antarctica, ensuring their overnight survival until the weather enabled them to be lifted to safety the following day.

The Royal Humane Society medals are awarded for acts of bravery, where rescuers put their own lives at risk to assist others whose lives are in peril.

Sir Jerry who is also the patron of the Royal Humane Society, said it was an honour to present awards to those who had put "there lives at risk to save another".

"[These people] have demonstrated exemplary bravery, and it is appropriate they are recognised in this way.

"They demonstrated the greatest of human qualities, selflessness, courage and compassion, in risking their own lives to save that of another."