By ANNA USHER

A man in his 60s is in a critical condition after suffering a severe medical episode at Neutral Bay Junction on Tuesday lunchtime.

Emergency services were called to the intersection of Military Rd and Wycombe Rd just after midday when the man collapsed while crossing the road, falling in front of shocked pedestrians.

A police-escorted “green light” corridor was activated shortly after 1pm, with officers and paramedics rushing the man under lights and sirens to Royal North Shore Hospital.

Eyewitnesses told Mosman Collective the incident unfolded quickly in the middle of the busy lunchtime rush.

“It was lunch time, so there were quite a few people around and a lot of traffic,” one passer-by said.

“The poor man just dropped. It looked like he hit his head as he fell. People came running from everywhere.”

It is believed the man suffered a sudden cardiac arrest.

One woman who assisted at the scene said she witnessed “the very best of humanity” as strangers stepped in to help before paramedics arrived.

“The pharmacist from Priceline rushed over, and there was also a doctor nearby,” she said.

“Team members from Revl Gym ran bottled water and towels. Someone sprinted to Coles to grab a defib.

“One man stopped traffic in both directions, while locals took turns doing CPR. Another man did the breaths and tried to keep everyone calm.”

Authorities have not released further details about the man’s condition.

Mosman Collective is keen to track down the Good Samaritans who stepped in to help, with the hope of thanking them personally. If you assisted at the scene, or know someone who did, please get in touch – we’d love to send a small gesture of thanks.

Heart Attack Warning Signs

Common symptoms can include:

• Chest pain or discomfort (pressure, squeezing, tightness, burning or crushing)
• Pain in the arm, shoulder, jaw, neck or back
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Sweating
• Nausea or vomiting
• Extreme fatigue

Chest pain is the most common symptom, but many people experience non-chest pain warning signs.

Heart Attack v Cardiac Arrest

A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked. The person is usually conscious and may complain of pain or discomfort.

A cardiac arrest happens when the heart suddenly stops due to an electrical malfunction. The person will be unconscious and not breathing.

Both are medical emergencies.

If you think someone is having a heart attack or cardiac arrest, call Triple Zero (000) immediately. Early CPR and the use of an AED can save a life.