OPINION: On March 15 Jill Keats was driving her car in Christchurch.
It was an ordinary day, until she saw people screaming, fleeing, in pain, dying - a scene from a nightmare, except this was real.
She was one of the first on the scene in the aftermath of the murderous rampage from the alleged Christchurch gunman.
Two people died beside her car.
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She helped others, by trying to keep them alive, by holding them, by caring for them.
But it was traumatic and, despite all the care, compassion and concern for the victims and their families, Jill has been ignored by ACC because - get this - she wasn't directly shot at so she does not qualify for any help or assistance.
Thing is, Jill has been diagnosed as having PTSD - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder but ACC doesn't recognise it, what a joke.
Yet the Government says mental health is high on its agenda - what an appalling disconnect, not to mention mean spirited.
Jill was delivered a cold and callous 'no' when it should have been a warm and compassionate 'yes' and 'what else can we do to help you'?
Jill was an Uber driver. Now, with PTSD, she can't work, it's not allowed.
We have bent over backwards for the victims and their families - fast-tracked overseas members through immigration hurdles, yet Jill is left out in the cold.
It's not right, it's not the Kiwi way and it must be addressed from the top.
This is one for the Prime Minister. Jacinda Ardern has led the Government's response on Christchurch and is getting accolades for it.
Sort this one out Prime Minister. Let Jill be your test of compassion, we need to care for her - like she cared for others.
Duncan Garner is host of The AM Show.
