A father-of-two has been reunited with police officers and a paramedic who saved his life by doing some detective work of his own.
Finance director Mal Patel, 58, collapsed from a cardiac arrest in London’s Square Mile.
A passer-by flagged down PCs Neil Geddis and Jack Watson who rushed to Mr Patel’s aid on Cheapside.
PC Watson immediately started performing CPR, while he and PC Geddis radioed for a defibrillator.
Within two minutes, City of London Police’s Tactical Firearms Group - trained in advanced medical care - arrived on the scene and used the device to deliver an electric shock to his non-beating heart.
Motorcycle paramedic Paul Soffe was among London Ambulance Service crews scrambled to stabilise Mr Patel and take him to hospital in November 2023.
“By the time Mr Patel was in the ambulance, he was still very ill, but was now breathing on his own,” said PC Geddis, who along with PC Watson, went to the hospital and made enquiries to locate the patient’s wife, son and daughter.
Mr Patel, who works for a large engineering firm, was discharged from a specialist cardiac centre and went on to make a full recovery.
A year later, Mr Patel approached two firearms officers in the street explaining that he was unable to track down those who saved his life. The pair realised it was their team involved.
On Friday, he finally met the policemen and Mr Soffe at Bishopsgate Police Station.
Mr Patel, from Northwood, north west London, told PCs Geddis and Watson: “Words can’t do justice to the gratitude that my family and I have for everything you all did for me on that day.
“Seeing you all and hearing the astonishing skills that you pull together as a team, brought home to us how truly under-appreciated the force is.
“In us at least, you have advocates for life.”
Deputy Commissioner Paul Betts said he was proud of the “exemplary” heroics shown and that officers’ “advanced medical training made the difference”.
“All of them immediately sprang into action to save Mr Patel’s life,” he added.
“Our officers and officers throughout the country are doing great things like this every day and it is important to recognise them for it.
“I’m delighted to hear that Mr Patel made a full recovery and it was an honour to have him visit us.”
PC Watson has been nominated for a Royal Humane Society Bravery Award. The firearms officers are in line for a Commander’s Team Commendation.
Mr Soffe said: “Mr Patel’s survival was made possible thanks to the police officers’ use of a defibrillator and their impressive first aid skills while our paramedics were on the way to the scene.
“Every second counts and early CPR and defibrillation can more than double someone’s chances of survival.
“Both of these can be done by a member of the public before the ambulance service arrives and they’re very simple to learn.”
