Hero Holdcroft Nissan dealership employee saves customer's life

A car sales controller from Holdcroft Nissan, in Crewe, saved the life of a customer who was having a cardiac arrest.

Cameron Love administered life saving first aid to 82-year-old John Ryder, using a defibrillator installed at the dealership.

Ryder was having his car serviced on the premises at the time.

Love said: ‘‘I was at the photocopier, minding my own business, and I heard a commotion – a customer in the showroom was unfortunately on the floor and not breathing.

‘‘Another customer had started CPR, then I put the defibrillator on the patient and delivered an electric shock. Luckily, we managed to revive him. My colleague Mandy was amazing – her help on the phone was invaluable and we cleared the area ready for the ambulance crew.’’

Ryder was taken to hospital by ambulance and has since undergone major heart surgery – and he and Love, who served in the Army for seven years before beginning his career in the automotive industry – recently met up again at the dealership.

Following the incident, Love was awarded a special ‘‘Dealer Ambassador’’ prize by Nissan after being nominated by senior colleagues Brian Davison, regional aftersales manager; and Luke Regan, franchise director at Holdcroft Nissan.

The nomination paid tribute to Cameron’s prompt action, explaining that ‘‘his skill and quick action saved the man’s life. He was calm under pressure and controlled the environment including other members of staff and customers. He was a real hero.’’

Ryder added: ‘‘Cameron did an excellent job. I am enormously grateful to him and the bonus was that the garage didn’t charge me for my service!’’

After several days in hospital, he underwent a triple heart bypass operation and has been recuperating at his home in Macclesfield in recent weeks.

A North West Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We commend Cameron for providing immediate care for Mr Ryder.

“In situations like this, every minute matters, and we’re delighted to hear about the happy outcome. We would encourage everyone to learn CPR and other first-aid skills, as you never know if you might need to provide life-saving treatment to a family member, friend or even a stranger in an emergency.”