The family of a man who had a heart attack after boarding a bus in Carlton have hailed the driver a hero after his quick thinking saved his life.
Relatives of Pietro Carozza, who suffered a cardiac arrest on a Nottingham City Transport bus earlier this year, have met and thanked bus driver Paul Allen, for saving his life.
After boarding a Blue Line 39 bus on Porchester Road on August 9, Pietro took ill on the bus, losing consciousness and having no pulse.
NCT bus driver Paul left his cab to assist Mr Carozza, performing CPR until his pulse returned and then placing him in the recovery position until paramedics arrived.
Whilst Paul performed CPR, two passengers on the bus, Cathy and Julie, assisted by calling 999 and comforting Pietro with words of reassurance until the emergency services arrived.
Once Pietro was in the recovery position, Paul reassured other passengers and assisted them safely off the bus. It was later confirmed that Pietro had suffered a cardiac arrest.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Mrs Nunziata Carozza, Pietro’s Wife said, “As a family, we would all like to express our gratitude to Paul for his quick thinking and response in administering CPR after my husband suffered a cardiac arrest.
“You were the difference between life and death and thankfully due to your experience and sheer determination, my husband, father and grandfather is still with us today, enjoying life with his whole family. Words are not enough for what you did for my husband, there are angels out there in this world and you are one of them. On behalf of myself, my father and all the family, thank you”
Paul was reunited with Pietro on Sunday (5) , and also met his wife and family, who shared presents and countless hugs and thanks for saving Pietro’s life.
David Astill, NCT Managing Director said, “NCT’s bus drivers are highly appreciated by our passengers, and in our latest survey achieved a 91% satisfaction score from our customers. But Paul really has taken customer care to a new level, and we are both grateful and very proud of him for the quick reactions he displayed when it was clear his passenger was experiencing medical difficulties.
“We wish Pietro a speedy recovery and thank him for taking the time to make NCT and Paul aware of his appreciation“
