Hero used CPR skills to save customer's life

Nagesh Nair, flanked by colleagues Alana Dempsey (left) and Shannon Carline.

When a customer collapsed, Nagesh Nair jumped to action, calling an ambulance and performing CPR.

Mr Nair knew he had to do something when he saw Max Burgess in the car park with no signs of life.

Putting his first-aid training to use, he performed two rounds of CPR before asking someone to help out.

It was this quick thinking that has earned him the title of Rotorua Daily Post Person of the Month for June.

"It's good that someone is alive because of me."

Mr Nair travelled to Auckland over the weekend to be honoured for his actions by New Zealand Sangam, an Indian cultural organisation. "That went well," he said.

He will be further recognised with a certificate from the Lakes Medical Services Trust.

The VTNZ Fenton Park station supervisor has become somewhat of a local celebrity for his actions saying everyone recognises him when he is out and about.

"Everyone asks, are you the guy who saved the life?"

Despite being hailed a hero, Mr Nair said Mr Burgess' survival was the biggest reward.

"He's alive and that's what matters the most."