Taxi drivers are on the front line and in a position where they can be the difference between life and death.
Because their job takes them to all sorts of places at any time of the day or night, they are in an ideal position to spot when things go wrong. They have first-aid and safeguarding training which helps them identify trouble at an early stage.
Even if they do not get involved themselves, they are ideally placed to call for help in an emergency, or an incident such as a car accident, a fire, or a break in.
We have previously celebrated the heroic actions of taxi drivers who have pulled unconscious drivers from burning vehicles, reunited young children who have become separated from their parents, and have even helped women going into labour.
Lifesavers
Now we have another cabbie who is a lifesaver, after coming to the aid of a fellow taxi driver who collapsed at Heathrow Airport.
Taxi Point reports on the incident which took place at Heathrow Airport taxi rank feeder park in June when a London cabbie collapsed suddenly.
At first, people nearby thought he had tripped, but as colleagues got closer to help, they instantly realised the severity of the situation.
As colleagues put him in the recovery position and did what they could, one ran to the canteen to try and find a first aider. Fortunately, veteran firefighter Martin Ewins was in the canteen and ran to help.
First-aid
TAXI Newspaper recalls that the situation was critical. “The driver, lying in the recovery position thanks to a quick-thinking colleague, was unresponsive and without a pulse.
“Recognising the gravity, Martin swiftly directed others to retrieve a defibrillator from the CRS Landside Heathrow Property building and called for an ambulance. With the assistance of another cabbie who began mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, Martin commenced CPR and used the defibrillator to administer shocks to the driver’s heart.”
Martin and the other driver continued CPR for 10 to 12 minutes and administered three shocks with the defibrillator to keep the driver alive before paramedics arrived and took over.
Taxi Point reports that Martin’s 18 years of experience, as well as first-aid training of colleagues, kept the driver alive during that vital period. By keeping blood flowing and oxygen through his lungs, they gave him the best possible chance of survival.
Recovery
It reported: “In those critical moments, Martin’s training and calm leadership proved lifesaving. The driver, after a period of hospitalisation, is now said to be home and recovering well.”
Their skills and quick thinking have helped the taxi driver begin his recovery.
Suzanne Sullivan, Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association (LTDA) Airport Representative, said: “When speaking to Martin, I found him very humble, and he was just so pleased he could help. How amazing to have saved a life! The driver was in hospital for some time but is recovering well and is now at home.
“So, from all of us in the Feeder Park and those who know this driver, we are eternally grateful to Martin Ewins.”
Thanks again to Martin and the taxi drivers who came to the rescue of a colleague that day. If it wasn’t for their actions, this could easily have ended in tragedy.
