Heroic action in Southend: SUEZ driver steps in to save life
Michael observed several drivers leaving their vehicles and gathering around a tradesman’s van at the centre of the disruption.
One of the loaders working alongside Michael, Kieran, stepped out to assess the situation. He saw a member of the public on the phone to emergency services and overheard that an ambulance was being dispatched. Kieran quickly relayed this information back to Michael.
Without hesitation, Michael left his truck and approached the van. Recognising the urgency of the situation, Michael took decisive action with guidance from the Ambulance Service. He carefully lifted the driver from his seat and placed him in the recovery position on the road surface.
Moments later, the driver was gasping for air. The Ambulance Service instructed Michael to turn the patient onto his back and begin chest compressions immediately. Drawing on training he had completed just one week earlier during a CPR course at SUEZ, Michael began administering life-saving compressions without delay.
As Michael continued performing CPR, he heard the ambulance approaching and kept up with chest compressions until paramedics took over, continuing advanced life-saving treatment for a further 10 minutes before transporting the patient to Southend University Hospital.
‘We are incredibly proud of Michael. He sprang into action and took control of the situation using his CPR training to make a real difference. ’ said Daniel Gillert, Mobilisation General Manager, ‘Over 70 of SUEZ’s front line staff have recently received CPR training in Southend. Michael’s actions not only highlights the importance of looking out for one another in the community but also how valuable taking part in first aid training sessions like these can be.
Since September 2024 SUEZ, in partnership with the British Heart Foundation have trained over 1600 people across the business many in frontline roles.
Councillor Lydia Hyde said, ‘Michael’s quick thinking and courage were truly remarkable. Thanks to his calm response and recent CPR training, he was able to step in at a critical moment and help save a life. We’re incredibly proud of him, of Kieran, and of the wider SUEZ team, who show such dedication to our community every day. Their actions highlight just how important this frontline work is, and how valuable lifesaving training can be.’