Defib 'Saves Life' Of Delivery Driver At Hamilton Toyota
Vertu has underlined the life-saving importance of CPR and rapid access to defibrillators during World Heart Rhythm Week, after quick-thinking colleagues at one of its Scottish dealerships saved someone's life.
Jim Lynch, a driver working for ADC Logistics, had arrived at the Vertu Hamilton Toyota site on Whistleberry Road to collect a car when he started to suffer from chest pains and went into cardiac arrest.
Showroom Host Ashley Alexander, General Manager Michael Clarke and Workshop Controller Allan Baird immediately recognised the seriousness of the situation and took control, locating the dealership’s defibrillator and using it to help stabilise Jim and keep him alive until paramedics arrived.
The defibrillator was one of many positioned across Vertu’s UK dealership network to ensure rapid emergency response when every second counts.
Jim was taken to hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery, and is now back home with his wife and family continuing his recovery.
He said: “I honestly wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for them. I don’t remember much about what happened, but I do know that they didn’t hesitate. They stepped in, used the defibrillator and gave me a second chance to go home to my family. I’ll never be able to thank them enough.”
Since leaving hospital, Jim has been in touch with the dealership to pass on his thanks.
Michael Clarke, General Manager at Vertu Hamilton Toyota, said: “That phone call meant a lot. Hearing Jim’s voice and knowing he’s back home with his family was incredibly emotional. It’s without doubt the best phone call I’ve had in a long time.
“When Jim collapsed, we knew we had to act straight away; there was no time to overthink things.
“We all knew where the defibrillator was and how to get to it quickly. Those minutes matter and having it on site made all the difference as it talked us through what to do and we could focus on keeping Jim alive until the paramedics arrived.
“It was terrifying at first, but once you realise someone’s life is in your hands and the adrenaline kicks in, you just get on with it.
“Knowing that every Vertu dealership is equipped in the same way gives real confidence that we’re doing the right thing for colleagues, customers and visitors alike.”
As well as dealing with the unfolding drama within the dealership, the team at Vertu Hamilton Toyota was able to contact Jim’s employers to ensure that they were fully aware of what was happening.
Luke Homer from ADC Logistics said: "Jim called me whilst on site advising of chest pains so I instructed him to call an ambulance, and he told me the dealership had already called one and it was on its way.
“I then received a call from Michael telling me what had occurred at the dealership, and how they had recognised the signs of a heart attack and had used the defibrillator to keep Jim alive when his heart stopped.
“Had the dealership not acted so quickly, we are certain that Jim wouldn’t be alive today, and whilst we are unsure if he will be able to return to work, we are all hopeful he will make a good recovery.
“We are so genuinely grateful for the actions taken by the staff at Vertu Toyota Hamilton; we can't thank them enough."
Robert Forrester, Chief Executive of Vertu, said: “This was an extraordinary example of colleagues stepping up in the most challenging circumstances and making a real difference.
“Ashley, Michael and Allan showed calmness, courage and teamwork when it mattered most, and their actions quite literally saved a life.
“It is also a powerful reminder of why having defibrillators on our sites, and ensuring people know where they are, is so important. Every Vertu dealership is equipped with a defibrillator, ensuring help is always close at hand should the unthinkable happen.
“You don’t need to be a medical professional to use one – you just need the confidence to act. Jim being able to go home to his family is the very best outcome anyone could hope for.”
World Heart Rhythm Week (2-8 June 2026) aims to raise awareness of heart rhythm disorders and the crucial role early CPR and defibrillation play in saving lives, with survival rates dropping significantly for every minute without treatment.