Three mystery heroes at Birmingham Airport save man’s life after he collapses in car park

A trio of heroes saved a man’s life at Birmingham Airport after he had come back from holiday.

Alex Orchiston collapsed at BHX while waiting inside the airport’s pick-up car park for his son, Adam to drive him and his wife, Clare, home after they returned from a holiday in Majorca on Tuesday, October 28, last year.

The driving instructor and part-time referee, who boxes three times a week, had been rushing to the car park pushing two suitcases and wearing a rucksack when he experienced chest pains and lost consciousness.

The 59-year-old was in a rush knowing that his son would only have 10 minutes to be at the pick-up area before incurring a fee.

But he collapsed and was at risk of losing his life when two women and a man stepped in and took it in turns to give Alex CPR.

As they did so an ambulance was called with medics taking over and rushing him to Heartlands Hospital in Birmingham.

But with everything that was going on the details of those three incredible bystanders were never taken.

Alex, from Nottingham, said: “The last thing I remember before waking up in the ambulance was seeing Adam’s car come off the mini roundabout and through the car park entrance.

“We knew we had to meet Adam on time as you only get ten minutes free parking, so I took both suitcases and was pushing myself hard.

“Clare told me that two women and a man stepped forward and took it in turns to do CPR on me and that somebody must have called the ambulance. Their actions absolutely helped save my life.

“The ambulance and an air ambulance arrived quite quickly I’m told, and while I was being taken to Heartlands Hospital they gave me three shocks with the defibrillator, which brought me back to consciousness.”

After the initial life-saving treatment, Alex was transferred to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, where he underwent a triple by-pass on November 21.

Tests had revealed that he had narrowed and blocked arteries, which caused him to have a heart attack leading to his cardiac arrest. He was discharged four days later.

Alex is now hoping to trace those three people that saved his life to thank them personally ahead of his milestone birthday.

He said: “It’s my 60th birthday in September and we’re having a big party to celebrate where I’ll be asking for donations [ on this JustGiving page ] to the British Heart Foundation instead of presents.

“I would love it if any of the three people who helped save my life that day could come forward so I can thank them personally and invite them along to the party.

“Even if I could just send them a message to say how grateful we all are that they had the presence of mind and ability to carry out CPR on me and call the ambulance.

“I know I would not be celebrating 60 without their intervention.

“It happened at about 3.30pm on October 28 last year.

“It would be great if anyone who knows anything could leave a message on my Just Giving page.

“We don’t have a very good description of them as it was all so stressful at the time for Clare, but we think they were two women and a man.”

He added: “I feel very lucky that I’ve been able to go back to refereeing for the local junior league and I still keep up my fitness.

“I enjoy working and spending time with my family.

“My daughter Hannah is an event organiser at the hotel where we’re having my 60th, so that will be a very special day for us all.”

The British Heart Foundation is encouraging people to learn CPR in 15 minutes with its free RevivR training online.

Lizzie Moscardini, senior programme manager at BHF, said: “The quick thinking and ability to perform CPR of these three unknown heroes undoubtedly saved Alex’s life that day.

“We hope that Alex gets the chance one day to thank them in person.

“Tragically, there are over 40,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests each year in the UK and a cardiac arrest can affect anyone, at any time.

“Quick CPR and defibrillation can mean the difference between life and death for someone who has an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

“Every minute without CPR and defibrillation decreases the chances of survival by up to ten per cent, so doing something is always better than doing nothing.

“Our free RevivR - BHF tool is a great way to learn this lifesaving skill and boost your confidence.

“It gives you personalised, clear feedback on your chest compressions to ensure you’re prepared in case of the ultimate medical emergency.”