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Education & Training

Addison Lee launches CPR training after driver hailed a hero for emergency response

The initiative follows an incident last October involving Addison Lee driver Godwin Omotobora.

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Addison Lee has launched a CPR and defibrillator training initiative for drivers in partnership with St John Ambulance after one of its drivers helped save the life of a passenger during a medical emergency in London.

The first session took place on 27th May at its West Drayton Fleet Hub, with 20 drivers attending.

The initiative follows an incident last October involving Addison Lee driver Godwin Omotobora (pictured, left), who has been with the company for 15 years.

Omotobora noticed a passenger in distress during a journey in London and immediately pulled over safely before calling 999 and administering CPR while following instructions from the emergency operator.

Paramedics and police later arrived at the scene and took over treatment before the passenger was transferred to hospital.

Omotobora was subsequently informed that the passenger survived.

Police later contacted the company, stating: “If it wasn’t for the lightning reactions of your driver, the outcome for the passenger would have been very different. Godwin saved the man’s life and is a hero.”

Omotobora said: “When I realised something wasn’t right, I didn’t hesitate.

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“I pulled over safely, called 999 and started CPR straight away. You don’t think in that moment – you just act.

“It was an overwhelming experience, but I kept going with the support of the emergency operator and the police officers who arrived.

“Knowing that the passenger survived makes it all worthwhile.”

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He added that previous CPR and safety training provided through Addison Lee helped him respond.

He said: “Training makes all the difference. It gives you the structure and confidence to step forward in an emergency.

“As drivers, we’re part of the community. We’re out on the streets every day – and sometimes that means being ready to help.”

Addison Lee said it would now roll out further CPR and defibrillator training sessions across its driver network with support from St John Ambulance.

Patrick Gallagher, chief executive of Addison Lee, said: “Godwin’s actions represent the very best of Addison Lee.

“We are incredibly proud of him, and deeply grateful for the outstanding work of the emergency services who attended the scene.

“Following Godwin’s act of bravery, we have launched this initiative with St John Ambulance to further enhance first aid knowledge and preparedness across our driver community.

“We have over 7,500 drivers on the road, and we want to encourage as many as we can to sign up for the training so they feel confident and equipped to respond should the unexpected happen.”

Lisa Sharman, head of workplace first aid training at St John Ambulance, said: “As the nation’s first aid charity, our belief is that everyone should receive the first aid they need in a health emergency from those around them.

“By sharing essential first aid skills with drivers from Addison Lee, our communities can become safer and more resilient to everyday emergencies.

“Well done to Godwin for using his first aid training to act without hesitation and play a significant part in saving the life of one of his passengers.

“We also commend Addison Lee for putting the power of first aid into more people’s hands.”

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