Private hire giants Addison Lee launch CPR training programme after driver helps save passenger’s life
- Perry Richardson
- May 29
- 3 min read
Addison Lee has started a new programme of CPR and defibrillator training for its drivers after one of its long-serving drivers helped save the life of a passenger who suffered a medical emergency during a journey in London.
The private hire operator, which transports more than three million passengers across the capital each year, held the first in a series of training sessions on 27 May at its West Drayton Fleet Hub. The course was delivered by St John Ambulance and attended by 20 Addison Lee drivers, including driver Godwin Omotobora, whose actions last year prompted the latest initiative.
Omotobora, 70, has driven for Addison Lee for 15 years. In October 2025, while transporting a male passenger in London, he noticed the passenger was in distress. He immediately pulled over safely, called 999 and began administering CPR while following instructions from the emergency call handler.
Emergency services arrived within minutes and continued resuscitation efforts before the passenger was taken to hospital. Omotobora later learned that the passenger had survived.
London operator expands lifesaving skills training for drivers following medical emergency that saw a passenger survive after receiving CPR at the roadside.
Following the incident, police contacted Addison Lee to praise the driver’s actions. Officers told the company: “If it wasn’t for the lightning reactions of your driver, the outcome for the passenger would have been very different. Godwin saved the man’s life and is a hero.”
Reflecting on the incident, Omotobora said: “When I realised something wasn’t right, I didn’t hesitate. I pulled over safely, called 999 and started CPR straight away. You don’t think in that moment - you just act.
“It was an overwhelming experience, but I kept going with the support of the emergency operator and the police officers who arrived. Knowing that the passenger survived makes it all worthwhile.”
Omotobora said previous CPR and safety training provided through Addison Lee gave him the confidence to respond. He added: “Training makes all the difference. It gives you the structure and confidence to step forward in an emergency. As drivers, we’re part of the community. We’re out on the streets every day and sometimes that means being ready to help.”
Addison Lee said the new partnership with St John Ambulance will see further CPR and defibrillator training sessions rolled out across its driver network as part of a wider focus on emergency preparedness.
Encouraging others in the trade to take up first aid training, Omotobora said: “Anyone can make a difference if they’re prepared. I would encourage every driver to learn first aid - you never know when it could save a life.”
Patrick Gallagher, CEO of Addison Lee, said: “Godwin’s actions represent the very best of Addison Lee. We are incredibly proud of him, and deeply grateful for the outstanding work of the emergency services who attended the scene.
“Following Godwin’s act of bravery, we have launched this initiative with St John Ambulance to further enhance first aid knowledge and preparedness across our driver community. We have over 7,500 drivers on the road, and we want to encourage as many as we can to sign up for the training so they feel confident and equipped to respond should the unexpected happen.”
Lisa Sharman, Head of Workplace First Aid Training at St John Ambulance, said: “As the nation’s first aid charity, our belief is that everyone should receive the first aid they need in a health emergency from those around them. By sharing essential first aid skills with drivers from Addison Lee, our communities can become safer and more resilient to everyday emergencies.
“Well done to Godwin for using his first aid training to act without hesitation and play a significant part in saving the life of one of his passengers. We also commend Addison Lee for putting the power of first aid into more people’s hands.”
