Cyclist Reunited with People Who Saved his Life
Hammersmith man collapsed when riding around Richmond Park 8 times
PC James Levesley, Natalia Krivdina (Peter's wife), Peter Krivdina, Dr Jessica Padley (assisted with CPR), PC Paul Barber.
July 4, 2023
A man who stopped breathing during a 100-kilometre ride around Richmond Park has been reunited with the people who saved his life.
On Sunday 7 May, 51-year-old Peter Krivdina from Hammersmith was three quarters of the way through cycling eight times around the perimeter when he collapsed.
Two members of the public went to his aid and began performing CPR. They also called 999 and asked for an ambulance.
A short time later, the pair were joined by several other people, including an off-duty NHS doctor and anaesthetist.
PCs James Levesley and Paul Barber were on patrol nearby when they heard the call come in and they were on the scene within four minutes. Calls to cardiac arrests are shared with the police as many patrol cars are equipped with defibrillators. They were able to give treatment to Mr Krivdina before the arrival of the ambulance.
A pulse was detected, and Peter was taken to St George's Hospital in Tooting where he remained for two-and-a-half weeks before being discharged. He has made a full recovery.
Peter said: "I am very grateful to the many people who helped me when I collapsed. They saved my life and I cannot be more thankful. I also received excellent care from the emergency services and the staff at St George's Hospital.
"It had been a long day of cycling and I remember feeling unwell when I reached the top of a hill. I remember collapsing, but I have no memory after that until I woke up in hospital.
"This experience had made me realise that CPR is a crucial skill and I believe everyone should learn it, so they know what to do if they find themselves in a similar situation."
PC James Levesley, who is based at Richmond Park, said, "I was delighted to hear that Peter had made a full recovery and it was an honour to be reunited with him and his wife.
"For every minute that someone is in cardiac arrest without CPR or a shock from a defibrillator, their chance of survival drops by 10 per cent, and I would like to praise the passers-by who provided first aid until the emergency services arrived."
Around 14,000 patients are treated for a cardiac arrest in London every year. Early CPR and defibrillation can more than double someone’s chances of survival.
PC Paul Barber, who also works at Richmond Park and gave Peter a rescue breath, added, "As police officers, we are given first aid training as we are often the first people to arrive at the scene of a major incident where a person is in need of urgent medical assistance, however CPR is a vital skill, and I would encourage everyone to learn how to perform it."
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