A Metrobus driver has received a national heroism award for his role in saving the life of a young woman in St. John's, who was hit by a vehicle on Water Street this past August.

The award is given out annually by the Canadian Urban Transportation Association to a public transit worker who commits an act of heroism that goes above and beyond the call of duty.

In a news release, Metrobus officials said that Max Benson was driving in downtown St. John's this August when he witnessed a woman get hit by an eastbound van on Water Street, and land within 10 feet of his bus.

Immediately jumped to help

Max Benson received his National Heroism Award at a ceremony in Montreal on Wednesday. (Submitted)

The bus driver immediately took action by radioing a transit supervisor to call 911, and exiting his vehicle with a first-aid kit.

Benson sat with the woman, who was unconscious, and provided first aid support by applying pressure to her head wound.

With his other hand, Benson protected the woman's face from the hot muffler of the bus, and received second-degree burns in the process.

In awe of bravery

He stayed by the woman's side until emergency officials arrived on the scene, and transported her to the hospital.

Metrobus General Manager, Judy Powell, said that everyone at the transit service is in awe of Benson's bravery.

"It's an incredible story of heroism," said Powell in a news release Wednesday.

"We're all proud of Max and we're thrilled that the Canadian Urban Transportation Association has recognized what Max did on that night in August."

Max Benson has been a driver for Metrobus for the past three years.