Surprise meeting for 80-year-old with first responders who saved his life

Colin Feisst reunites with first responders. (L-R) Clint Robinson, ASB branch manager Shane Higgan, Colin Feisst, Leisha Cheong. Photo / Supplied

An 80-year-old "community hero" has met with the first responders who helped save his life earlier this year.

Colin Feisst was set to walk in the Auckland Pride Parade along Ponsonby Rd on February 17 when he suffered a heart attack.

A quick-thinking bystander retrieved a defibrillator (AED) from a nearby ASB Bank branch and administered CPR and shocks from the AED.

St John was called and continued to treat Feisst while he was transported to hospital.

Knowing Feisst wanted to say thank you to those involved in saving his life, a plan to reunite him with his first responders was organised by St John, ASB and friend Joy Fisher.

Police Sergeant Todd Brooks and St John emergency medical technicians Leisha Cheong and Clint Robinson surprised him as he was collecting for the St John Annual Appeal on Auckland's Queen St this morning.

"I have no doubt the quick assistance of the Police, the bystander retrieving the ASB AED, and the St John treatment saved my life," Feisst said.

"I'm planning to take the time to thank all of those involved in my survival, and I'm looking forward to celebrating my 'first birthday' in February next year!"

Feisst is something of a local hero - he's volunteered with the Papatoetoe Community Patrol (CPNZ) for six years, participating in regular patrols, assisting at Safer Plate Events and helping at Police pop-up stations.

He's also a member of the Papatoetoe Patrols Committee and a trustee on the local Manukau District Crime Watch Patrols Trust as the Papatoetoe Patrols representative.

For several years he has voluntarily monitored the CCTV cameras at the local Manukau Police Station for almost 40 hours each month.

He received a defibrillator (AED) donated by ASB for his community patrol in Papatoetoe.

ASB head of community, sponsorship and events Mark Graham said this year ASB was celebrating 10 years of support for St John and was pleased to donate the AED.

"Each ASB branch is equipped with an AED and we're delighted our Ponsonby branch's AED helped save Colin's life.

"It's our pleasure to donate to Colin's local community patrol on his behalf."