A Nissan car sales controller has been reunited with a customer whose life he saved – and has been described as a ‘‘real hero’’ for his prompt and effective intervention.
Cameron Love, 28, who works at Holdcroft Nissan Crewe, sprang into action when customer John Ryder, who was having his car serviced on the premises, suffered a sudden cardiac arrest.
Using a defibrillator installed at the dealership, Cameron provided emergency treatment and stayed with Mr Ryder until paramedics arrived.
Calm under pressure, he acted promptly and skilfully and took control of the whole situation, even marshalling other customers and colleagues during the drama. Also playing an important role was service advisor Mandy Everall who liaised with paramedics on the telephone during the incident.
Mr Ryder was taken to hospital by ambulance and has since undergone major heart surgery – and he and Cameron, who served in the Army for seven years before beginning his career in the automotive industry – recently met up again at the dealership.
Recalling the incident, Cameron said: ‘‘I was at the photocopier, minding my own business, and I heard a commotion – a customer in the showroom was unfortunately on the floor and not breathing.
‘‘Another customer had started CPR, then I put the defibrillator on the patient and delivered an electric shock. Luckily, we managed to revive him. My colleague Mandy was amazing – her help on the phone was invaluable and we cleared the area ready for the ambulance crew.’’
Cameron was awarded a special ‘‘Dealer Ambassador’’ prize by Nissan after being nominated by senior colleagues Brian Davison, Regional Aftersales Manager; and Luke Regan, Franchise Director at Holdcroft Nissan.
The nomination paid tribute to Cameron’s prompt action, explaining that ‘‘his skill and quick action saved the man’s life. He was calm under pressure and controlled the environment including other members of staff and customers. He was a real hero.’’
Mr Ryder’s memory of the incident is understandably hazy but he said: ‘‘Cameron did an excellent job. I am enormously grateful to him and the bonus was that the garage didn’t charge me for my service!’’
Happy outcome
After several days in hospital, Mr Ryder, 82, underwent a triple heart bypass operation and has been recuperating at his home in Macclesfield in recent weeks. He and his wife Winifred are now looking forward to celebrating their Diamond Wedding Anniversary next year.
A North West Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We commend Cameron for providing immediate care for Mr Ryder.
“In situations like this, every minute matters, and we’re delighted to hear about the happy outcome. We would encourage everyone to learn CPR and other first-aid skills, as you never know if you might need to provide life-saving treatment to a family member, friend or even a stranger in an emergency.”