A father of three who went into cardiac arrest after a Lime bike knocked him into the path of a coach has reunited with the London Ambulance Service paramedics who saved his life.
Last June, Victor Arotsky, 53, from Hendon, was on his usual lunchtime run past the Houses of Parliament when he was pushed into the path of a coach. Victor was dragged under the vehicle, crushing his head and chest, and causing significant injuries with life-long consequences.
Because of the location, Members of the Metropolitan Police’s Diplomatic Protection Unit were first on the scene. They freed Victor from beneath the coach and immediately started CPR as he had gone into cardiac arrest.
When London Ambulance Service paramedics arrived, they worked alongside crews from London Air Ambulance to quickly clear Victor’s airway and help him breathe. Once Victor was able to breathe through a tube, additional paramedics were able to assist and transport him safely to hospital.
Victor’s injuries were devastating. He spent four weeks in a coma and then six weeks in a high dependency ward and a further four weeks in a rehabilitation unit.
At the reunion, Victor and his wife Vicky, had the opportunity to thank Scott Lummes, Charlotte Miller and Caitlin Gray, the paramedics who brought him back from the brink.
Victor said: “If I lived 1,000 more years there still would not be enough time for me to express the gratitude I have to everyone that helped rescue me that day. I hope you all realise how amazing you are and the vital service you provide. If it weren’t for you, my family would be without a father and husband.”
Despite everything he has been through, Victor’s sense of humour remains intact. He even apologised to the paramedics who rescued him for the “massive mess I caused that day”.
Victor said that since that day in June, “everything has changed, and nothing has”. He is now blind in one eye and is partially sighted in the other, and has also lost hearing in one ear. Despite this, Victor has returned to work, and as an avid jogger is now running 10km three or four times a week. He has even jokingly apologised to his colleagues “for taking six months to return to the office from my lunchtime run”.
Paramedic Caitlin Gray said:
“When I arrived on the scene, I was extremely worried for Victor. His injuries were so severe, it was clear he was critically unwell and needed urgent care.
“It was a team effort rescuing Victor, and because of the fast action of the paramedics, police officers and other first responders at the scene, he survived against the odds. It has been brilliant to meet him again and see how well he is doing. His positivity and sense of humour after such an awful accident is inspirational.”
Alongside his visit to London Ambulance Service headquarters, Victor and his family were treated to a tour of 10 Downing Street with the paramedics and Metropolitan Police officers who helped rescue him.
Chief Paramedic Pauline Cranmer QAM said:
“Every day our paramedics save lives across the capital. Victor’s incredible rescue was a true team effort, with every person playing a vital role in his care. Faced with extremely challenging circumstances, the crews worked together effectively to give Victor the best possible chance of survival. The paramedics involved should all be immensely proud of how they performed that day.”