A COLEFORD man who had a heart attack while driving through the town last month has praised the emergency services for ‘saving his life’.

Joseph Bournat, 69, was driving his Jaguar when it collided with another vehicle on Bank Street at around 3.30pm on Wednesday, September 2.

Since the incident, it has been established that Mr Bournat suffered a cardiac arrest whilst driving, which caused the collision.

He was taken to Bristol Royal Infirmary by air ambulance in a serious condition where he underwent emergency treatment. Nobody else was injured.

At the scene, while Mr Bournat was trapped unconscious in his vehicle, an off-duty firefighter from Coleford, Andrew Pearce, played a heroic role, with assistance from a member of the public, Lee Purser from Coleford. They disabled the vehicle that was stuck in ‘drive’ with the wheels spinning and managed to free Mr Bournat.

Police officers, PC Paul Clark and PCSO Neil Evans, were then ready with the defibrillator and started chest compressions (CPR).

Inspector Steve Chester of Gloucestershire Constabulary said: “Since the incident, Mr Bournat has visited Coleford Police Station and asked me to thank all concerned with saving his life. I showed him the defibrillator that undoubtedly contributed to his survival. Working closely with our partner agencies is a priority for us at Gloucestershire Constabulary and in this instance; it indicates that effective partnership working can really help to save lives.”

Mr Bournat added: “Everybody involved, the police, fire and ambulance service and NHS staff at Bristol Royal Infirmary all did an amazing job and I can’t thank them enough. Their prompt action and expertise all contributed to saving my life. I felt it important to openly thank all of those involved so they receive the recognition they thoroughly deserve.”