Soldier was on death's door: sister

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COLLAPSED DURING SAS TRYOUT: Lieutenant Alexander Teira Cowan.

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A young soldier in a coma after collapsing during an Special Air Service (SAS) selection test was "on death's door" but has now begun responding, his sister says.

Lieutenant Alexander Teira Cowan, known as Teira, has been in a coma at Middlemore Hospital since he fell unconscious and had to be treated for heat-related injuries during the test on Wednesday in the Hunua ranges, south east of Auckland.

Cowan's sister Tatiana said he was still in hospital yesterday in a serious condition.

"But he's responding positively, we do have hope. On Friday we were given information that he may not see that day through, that he was on death's door. So now today from Friday we're really happy with his progress - he's responding."

Tatiana Cowan said the army has offered a lot of support for the family, and have been in touch regularly since the 26-year-old lieutenant was hospitalised.

She said the family have questions about how her brother ended up in the coma.

"Our brother Teira is a young, 26-year-old, fit, athletic man and as a whanau we're concerned that he ended up in critical care," she said.

"We're aware of the nature of his training and what was required of him and we're quite sensitive to that. But we are more focused at this point in time on his recovery."

A Middlemore Hospital spokeswoman said Cowan's condition was still considered "serious, causing concern".

Chief of the New Zealand Army, Major General Tim Keating, said yesterday an inquiry will be conducted into the incident.

He said Cowan collapsed during a fitness test for the SAS' biannual selection.

The activity required all candidates to complete an 8km run dressed in military uniform including boots, and carry equipment in a load-carrying vest weighing approximately 10kg.

He said Cowan collapsed when he was near the end of the course.

"He received immediate first aid assistance and an Army medic commenced treatment within five minutes of his collapse.

"It is standard practice for the NZSAS to have medical staff in close proximity during selection activities of this type."

An ambulance was called, and Cowan was taken to the hospital where he was treated for heat-related injuries.

General Keating said the army's thoughts were with the Cowan family.

- © Fairfax NZ News