A Norfolk bus driver has been hailed a hero after his quick-thinking helped to save the life of his colleague who suffered a heart attack.
David Fields sprang into action when his colleague, Bernie MacTavish, became unwell while he was at work.
The pair, who are based at First Eastern Counties’ King’s Lynn depot, were returning to work after the Christmas break when Bernie complained of chest pains.
Bernie, who has been a First bus driver for seven years, thought he had indigestion.
He said: “Before I went out, I told Dave that my chest hurt. Half an hour later, I started sweating and I didn’t feel right.”
He returned to the depot where David, who is a qualified first aider at work and has received training from St John Ambulance, rushed Bernie to the Queen Elizabeth hospital. He was operated on before he was transferred to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital where he stayed for four days.
David (59) who lives in Swaffham, said: “I realised straight away that he was having a heart attack.
“He was getting worse. His face was grey and his lips were blue and he had pains in his chest and arms.
“I didn’t panic – it’s important to stay calm in situations like this. I just knew I had to get him to the hospital.”
Bernie (55) who lives in King’s Lynn and has two teenage sons, said: “My main aorta was blocked. If David hadn’t acted when he did, things could have been very different. I owe him my life.”
David, a grandfather of five, who has worked for First for 30 years as a controller and driver, said: “I have had a few minor scares but nothing as drastic as this.”
Hugo Forster, First Eastern Counties’ general manager, praised David’s efforts.
He said: “David’s quick thinking helped to save Bernie’s life.
“Our staff receive regular first aid training and we are very grateful to David – without him, Bernie may not be here.
“He has been awarded our Superstar award whereby we recognise exceptional actions and achievement every month.”