A 76-year-old man from County Durham has reunited with the police officer who saved his life during a cardiac arrest on the road. John Beattie was suffering a medical episode on the A690 near Carrville in April when PC Ben Lefevre of Durham Constabulary was flagged down by concerned members of the public.
Swift Action on the Roadside
The incident, which had resulted in a collision, saw PC Lefevre assess the situation and realise John was having a heart attack. Without hesitation, he began performing roadside CPR while awaiting further medical assistance. The Great North Air Ambulance Service and HeliMed teams arrived at the scene, rushing John to hospital where he was placed into an induced coma.
After a five-week stay at Sunderland Royal Hospital, John is now back home and being cared for by his relieved family. Medical staff have confirmed that John may not have survived without PC Lefevre's swift response.
Emotional Reunion
The hero officer and his sergeant, Sgt Andy Wells, reunited with John, his wife Elaine, and sons Chris and David, who were able to deliver their personal thanks. Sgt Wells said: "Ben’s quick-thinking actions that day undoubtedly saved John’s life. Despite this being the first time he’d ever had to perform CPR in a real-life emergency, he remained calm under immense pressure and put his training into action when it mattered most."
He added: "While we hope our officers never have to use these skills, this incident shows just how important first aid training is and how it can make a difference between life and death. Seeing John recover and being able to reunite him with Ben was incredibly special. It’s a fantastic outcome we’re delighted to see him back home with his loved ones."
During the emotional meeting, John spoke directly to Ben and said: "If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t be here." Durham Constabulary has wished him all the very best with his continued recovery.
