"I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you" - cardiac arrest survivor thanks police officer who saved his life
John was in Sunderland Royal Hospital for five weeks
A man who nearly died after suffering a medical episode in his car on the A690 has been reunited with the motorcycle police officer who saved his life.
John Beattie, 76, collapsed at the wheel of his car after suffering a cardiac arrest, resulting in his vehicle being involved in a collision.
While out on patrol in April (2026), Durham Constabulary motorcycle section officer PC Ben Lefevre was flagged down by concerned members of the public on the A690, near Durham City.
Responding immediately, PC Lefevre quickly assessed the situation and identified that John was having a cardiac arrest. Without hesitation, he began performing roadside CPR in a race against time to save John’s life.
The Great North Air Ambulance and Heli Med teams were called to the scene, and 76-year-old John was rushed to hospital, where he was placed into a coma.
Thankfully, after a five week stay in Sunderland Royal Hospital, John is now back home and being cared for by his family.
Medical staff later confirmed that, had it not been for the swift actions of PC Lefevre, John may not be with us today.
Last week, John was reunited with PC Lefevre.
On meeting the man who saved his life, John said: “If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t be here.”
PC Lefevre and his Sergeant, Andy Wells, also met John’s wife Elaine and sons Chris and David, who were able to personally thank Ben for saving his life.
Sgt Wells said: “Ben’s quick-thinking actions that day undoubtably saved John’s life. Despite this being the first time he’d ever had to perform CPR in a real-life emergency, he remained calm under immense pressure and put his training into action when it mattered most.
“While we hope our officers never have to use these skills, this incident shows just how important first aid training is and how it can make a difference between life and death.
“Seeing John recover and being able to reunite him with Ben was incredibly special. It’s a fantastic outcome we’re delighted to see him back home with his loved ones.”