Off-Duty Heroes Save Man After Shocking Crash in Sutton Coldfield
Colin Cady owes his life to pure luck and quick-thinking off-duty paramedics after suffering a cardiac arrest behind the wheel in Sutton Coldfield. His car smashed into a tree, but thanks to heroic passersby, he’s now set to enjoy Christmas with his family.
Paramedics on the Scene: Right Place, Right Time
As Colin’s heart failed while driving, off-duty Erdington paramedics Roy Taylor and Maria Johnson happened to be nearby. They sprang into action, performing CPR and using a Public Access Defibrillator before the ambulance arrived. Their swift intervention, alongside an off-duty police officer, nurse, and the arriving ambulance crew, saved Colin’s life.
“There really are no words to say thank you to those who saved my life that day. I count myself incredibly lucky that multiple off-duty emergency service staff were there at that moment,” said Colin.
Bystander CPR and Teamwork Key to Survival
Maria Johnson praised the power of bystander CPR. “We were able to help not as ambulance staff but as bystanders – anyone trained in CPR could do this,” she said.
Roy Taylor added: “Seeing Maria there too was a stroke of luck. We both went into autopilot to help Colin until the ambulance arrived.”
On-duty paramedics Abi Conlin, Grace Harris, Liam Wetton, and Kirsty Wood completed the lifesaving efforts, taking Colin to hospital in stable condition.
“To see bystander CPR being performed – by two off-duty ambulance staff no less – was a great relief,” said Abi Conlin. “We couldn’t have done it without the combined efforts of everyone.”
Grateful Family Prepare for a Happy Christmas
Colin’s wife Bea expressed deep gratitude. “Without them, I might not have seen Christmas with Colin. It’s a truly happy ending to what could have been a tragedy.”
After recently celebrating his 53rd birthday, Colin looks forward to the festive season, all thanks to the incredible work of emergency responders and timely public action.
