Suez Recycling and Recovery UK driver Michael Dixon was carrying out his usual rounds with his crew on a busy road in the town when he noticed traffic ahead had ground to a halt, with hazard lights flashing in the distance.
According to the company, Dixon saw several motorists leaving their vehicles and gathering around a tradesman’s van at the centre of the disruption.
One of the loaders working alongside him, Kieran, got out to assess the situation and found a member of the public on the phone to emergency services, with an ambulance being dispatched.
CPR at the roadside
Recognising the urgency of the situation, Dixon left his vehicle and approached the van.
Acting on guidance from the Ambulance Service call handler, he carefully lifted the driver from his seat and placed him in the recovery position on the road surface.
Following further instructions, Dixon turned the individual onto his back and began chest compressions immediately.
He had completed CPR training just one week earlier during a course delivered by Suez.
Dixon continued administering CPR until paramedics arrived on scene.
The ambulance crew then took over, carrying out advanced life-saving treatment for a further 10 minutes before transporting the patient to Southend University Hospital.
Daniel Gillert, Mobilisation General Manager at Suez, commented: “We are incredibly proud of Michael. He sprang into action and took control of the situation using his CPR training to make a real difference.
“Over 70 of SUEZ’s frontline staff have recently received CPR training in Southend. Michael’s actions not only highlight the importance of looking out for one another in the community, but also how valuable taking part in first aid training sessions like these can be.”
First aid training across the workforce
Since September 2024, Suez, in partnership with the British Heart Foundation, has trained more than 1,600 people across the business, many in frontline roles.
Councillor Lydia Hyde also praised the crew’s response.
She said: “Michael’s quick thinking and courage were truly remarkable. Thanks to his calm response and recent CPR training, he was able to step in at a critical moment and help save a life.
“We’re incredibly proud of him, of Kieran, and of the wider Suez team, who show such dedication to our community every day.
“Their actions highlight just how important this frontline work is, and how valuable lifesaving training can be.”
Subscribe for free