Behind the bar at Salt, Mackenzie (Emily Weir) spots a customer who is a little unsteady and mumbling his words. As she considers whether to cut him off and send him home, tragedy strikes when he unexpectedly falls to the ground.
She is shocked to discover that she is paralysed and unable to move or even call for assistance.
Thanks to the fact that he is also in Salt, Xander (Luke Van Os) rapidly switches into paramedic mode. Mackenzie, though, does nothing but watch helplessly as the ambulance arrives and removes the man. She berates herself afterwards and questions why, as a woman who is typically in perfect control, she was unable to take command.
Later, in an effort to make amends, she visits the hospital and inquires about the patient who passed out in Salt. She is shocked to find that he is in a coma in the intensive care unit. She realises, rattled, that it is time to enrol in a first aid course and take first aid seriously. Felicity (Jacqui Purvis), who claims to already possess a certificate, is scheduled for a meeting by the woman.
Mackenzie is aware that, as the manager of a bar, not having first aid training could be a severe mistake for her. When she returns to the hospital, she finds out that the patient passed away, which makes the issue worse. With renewed vigour, she pushes that first aid training be required for all employees.
When Nikau (Kawakawa Fox-Reo) overhears, he offers Mackenzie some helpful advice: “No amount of education or training will prepare you when calamity hits.” Sometimes your response to a circumstance is simply beyond your control.
While Mackenzie recognises Nikau’s compassion, she is also disappointed in herself for being able to assist the customer who is now deceased.
