Drama on Air: Miss New Zealand Finalist Helps Save Man's Life Aboard 12-Hour Flight to Auckland

Miss Universe New Zealand finalist Deborah Lambie saved the day when she helped in reviving a fellow passenger who fell from his seat and lost consciousness.

A fourth-year medical student in Otago, Ms Lambie did not hesitate to rush to the aid of Alex Reid, a retired Kerikeri teacher. Both of them were Thai Airways passengers on their way to Auckland, New Zealand from Bangkok.

Ms Lambie was sitting across Mr Reid when she saw the man faint and collapse. The 22-year-old beauty pageant contestant used her medical knowledge and training to assist Mr Reid. She said the man was drenched in sweat as the other passengers beside him panicked and screamed for help.

Ms Lambie said the scenario was "quite frightening" but ignored her fears to help someone in need. Although she has not yet completed her studies, she knew she would be of use with her medical background.

After seeing Mr Reid collapse, Ms Lambie immediately checked for a pulse and any sign of breathing activity. She was able to monitor his condition until a doctor sitting at the back was called to help.

Ms Lambie was relieved to see a more experienced medical professional onboard the flight. She thought something bad might happen and she was the only one onboard with any kind of medical training.

The flight from Bangkok to Auckland is usually for 12 hours. At the time of Mr Reid's fainting, it was only 3 hours into the flight. Ms Lambie was relieved to see the man was going to be fine in the hands of the doctor.

Sameera Moonesinghe, an Otahuhu doctor, revived Mr Reid with the aid of Ms Lambie. Dr Moonesinghe said Mr Reid's condition was serious since he was slipping in and out of consciousness. Mr Reid was babbling incoherently and was not responding. She said people who have serious medical conditions may die if they fainted in their seats and did not receive immediate medical attention.

By the time the plane landed in Auckland, Mr Reid's condition has improved. He thanked the doctor and Ms Lambie for taking care of him when he lost consciousness.

Nigel Godfrey, Miss Universe New Zealand executive director, said Ms Lambie remained calm throughout the commotion. Mr Godfrey was also one of the passengers in that flight to Auckland.

Mr Godfrey said the incident only proved that girls who enter beauty pageants or competitions were not "bimbos" but they also have brains too. He said it was always the aim of New Zealand beauty competitions to break the stereotype.

Ms Lambie said she responded to the emergency situation like any medical practitioner close to the scene. She stated that in medical school, students were taught to respond in any medical emergency. It's part of their training.

Ms Lambie and her fellow Miss Universe New Zealand finalists flew to Thailand as part of the competition. The final coronation night will be held in Auckland on Oct. 5. The girl who will be crowned Miss New Zealand will represent the country in Moscow, Russia for the global Miss Universe competition.