It takes two as Leah and Poppy awarded Gold Cross at 2023 Bravery Awards

Leah Pieterse and Poppy Simmonds encountered more than they bargained for one night in August 2021.

There was a crowd of people gathered on the side of the Mitchell Freeway after a man had been hit while trying to change a flat tyre.

The young girls, seeing the commotion, took it upon themselves to assist.

It wasn't long before Leah and Poppy took control of the emergency, getting bystanders to call 000 while they performed CPR.

Everything happens for a reason; Leah was a student nurse at the time and Poppy is a trained lifeguard, so both girls had experience in emergency response. However, neither of them were expecting to put their skills to the test so soon.

When speaking to Leah and Poppy following the incident, they highlighted the importance of their training.

"We wouldn't have been able to do anything if we didn't know how to do CPR,” Poppy said.

Starting out as complete strangers, Leah and Poppy did everything in their power to save the injured man's life through their swift decision making, not to mention their professionalism and compassion.

Unfortunately, the man sadly passed away later in hospital, but due to the girl's efforts, they provided the man's family with the greatest gift...time.

His family made it to Royal Perth Hospital to say their final goodbyes, something they are very grateful for.

Despite the outcome, Leah and Poppy felt supported throughout the ordeal and afterwards as they were understandably shaken up.

Leah had these words of wisdom to offer if anyone finds themselves in a similar situation.

"Any attempt is better than no attempt. If you’re not willing to do the breaths that’s fine, just get on the chest and do as good as you can. Call for help, 100%. If you don’t know what’s happening, call for help and the person on the phone will guide you through."

How Leah and Poppy responded during and after the incident is nothing short of amazing and both of them should be extremely proud of their commendable actions.

This is why the ladies received the Bravery Awards’ highest honour and are only two of three recipients to receive the Gold Cross this year.

(Poppy was unfortunately unable to attend the award ceremony and will be presented with her award at a later date.)

To read more about the other amazing lifesavers we have in WA, click the link below.