NCT hero driver Paul Allen thanked for saving life

Nottingham City Transport (NCT) bus driver, Paul Allen, has been thanked by the family of Pietro Carozza, who suffered a cardiac arrest while onboard a bus.

After boarding an NCT bus in August, Pietro took ill, losing consciousness and having no pulse. NCT driver Paul left his cab to assist Mr Carozza, performing CPR until his pulse returned and then placing him in the recovery position until paramedics arrived. While Paul performed CPR, two passengers on the bus, Cathy and Julie, assisted by calling 999 and comforting Pietro until the emergency services arrived.

Once Pietro was in the recovery position, Paul reassured other passengers and assisted them safely off the bus. It was later confirmed that Pietro had suffered a cardiac arrest.

“Words are not enough for what you did for my husband” – Mrs Nunziata Carozza, Pietro’s wife

Speaking on behalf of the family, Mrs Nunziata Carozza, Pietro’s wife, said: “As a family, we would all like to express our gratitude to Paul for his quick thinking and response in administering CPR after my husband suffered a cardiac arrest. You were the difference between life and death and thankfully due to your experience and sheer determination, my husband, father and grandfather is still with us today, enjoying life with his whole family. Words are not enough for what you did for my husband, there are angels out there in this world and you are one of them. On behalf of myself, my father and all the family: thank you.”

(L to R) Hero driver Paul Allen and Pietro Carozza

Paul was reunited with Pietro on Sunday 5 November, and also met his wife and family, who shared presents and countless hugs and thanks for saving Pietro’s life.

“Paul really has taken customer care to a new level” – David Astill, NCT Managing Director

David Astill, NCT Managing Director, said: “NCT’s bus drivers are highly appreciated by our passengers, and in our latest survey achieved a 91% satisfaction score from our customers. But Paul really has taken customer care to a new level, and we are both grateful and very proud of him for the quick reactions he displayed when it was clear his passenger was experiencing medical difficulties. We wish Pietro a speedy recovery and thank him for taking the time to make NCT and Paul aware of his appreciation.”