Tube Passenger’s Heart-Stopping Collapse Sparks Heroic Rescue at Liverpool Street
A 67-year-old Londoner narrowly escaped death after going into cardiac arrest at Liverpool Street Station – thanks to quick-thinking bystanders and paramedics who sprang into action.
Collapsed in Tunnel: Off-Duty Medics Save the Day
Paul Benson, from Barnet, was walking through the pedestrian tunnel at central London’s Liverpool Street, en route to catch the Elizabeth Line with his wife Lorraine, when he suddenly collapsed.
Luckily, an off-duty nurse, doctor, and pharmacist were close by. They immediately started chest compressions and grabbed the station’s defibrillator to restart Paul’s heart. Paramedics arrived quickly and rushed him to St Bartholomew’s Hospital for emergency bypass surgery.
“I Wouldn’t Be Here Without a Defibrillator”
Now recovering, Paul reunited with his lifesavers at a London Lifesaver event held at Liverpool Street Station. He urged Londoners to be brave and help others in crisis.
“It’s important that Londoners aren’t frightened to stop and help. It’s very easy to walk past, but those who step in can save lives,” Paul said.
“Thanks to their help, I’ve been able to carry on with my life. I was in very good hands, and my good Samaritans kept me alive until the paramedics arrived. Without a defibrillator, I wouldn’t be here.”
Paramedic’s First Emotional Reunion with Survivor
Paramedic Jackson Day described meeting Paul in person as a special moment after nearly seven years on the job.
“It was great to meet Paul and see such a positive outcome for him,” Jackson said.
“This was the first time I’d met someone I treated following cardiac arrest. A really special moment.”
Campaign to End London’s ‘Defibrillator Deserts’
Paul now champions the London Ambulance Charity’s Heart Starters campaign, which aims to place defibrillators in London’s most deprived areas — where access is currently scarce.
Mark Faulkner, Consultant Paramedic at London Ambulance Service, highlighted the vital role of bystanders.
“Paul is very lucky thanks to the swift actions of strangers. Anyone can learn chest compressions, and no special training is needed to use a defibrillator,” Mark said.
“These skills saved Paul’s life.”
London Assembly Urges Everyone to Learn CPR
Krupesh Hirani AM, Chair of the London Assembly Health Committee, stressed how straightforward saving a life can be.
“Saving a life sounds like a big deal – but it’s surprisingly straightforward,” he said.
“Meeting Paul was humbling. He owes his life to the public and London Ambulance Service crews.”
The London Assembly is pushing for better CPR training to boost survival rates in out-of-hospital cardiac arrests.
TfL Joins Forces in Life-Saving Drive
Naomi Smith, Head of Customer Operations at Transport for London (TfL), praised the team effort between TfL, the Mayor’s office, and London Ambulance Service in expanding defibrillator access.
“Every second counts. We’re proud to offer quick access to defibrillators across Tube and Overground stations, alongside first-aid trained staff,” Naomi said.
Paul’s survival story is now inspiring a wider campaign to empower Londoners to save lives and act without hesitation in emergencies.
