Victor Arotsky, a 53-year-old father of three from Hendon, was pushed into the path of a coach while on a lunchtime jog past the Houses of Parliament, resulting in a crushed head and chest and a cardiac arrest at the scene. Police officers freed him and began CPR until paramedics arrived, and he was rushed to A&E where he eventually began breathing through a tube.
Months of recovery and lasting injuries
Arotsky spent four weeks in a coma, followed by six weeks in a high dependency ward and another four weeks in a rehabilitation unit. He is now blind in one eye, partially sighted in the other, and has lost hearing in one ear. He apologised for the “massive mess I caused that day” and to his colleagues “for taking six months to return to the office from my lunchtime run”.
At a reunion with the London Ambulance Service (LAS) staff who saved his life, Arotsky and his wife Vicky thanked paramedics Scott Lummes, Charlotte Miller, and Caitlin Gray.
Paramedics and chief praise team effort
Victor said: “If I lived 1,000 more years, there still would not be enough time for me to express the gratitude I have to everyone who helped rescue me that day. I hope you all realise how amazing you are and the vital service you provide. If it weren’t for you, my family would be without a father and husband.”
Paramedic Caitlin Gray said: “When I arrived on the scene, I was extremely worried for Victor. His injuries were so severe that it was clear he was critically unwell and needed urgent care. It was a team effort rescuing Victor, and because of the fast action of the paramedics, police officers and other first responders at the scene, he survived against the odds. It has been brilliant to meet him again and see how well he is doing. His positivity and sense of humour after such an awful accident is inspirational.”
Chief Paramedic Pauline Cranmer QAM said: “Every day our paramedics save lives across the capital. Victor’s incredible rescue was a true team effort, with every person playing a vital role in his care. Faced with extremely challenging circumstances, the crews worked together effectively to give Victor the best possible chance of survival. The paramedics involved should all be immensely proud of how they performed that day.”
The reunion highlighted the long-term impact of the accident and the crucial role of first responders in saving Arotsky’s life, with his family and the medical team acknowledging the collaborative rescue effort that allowed him to survive despite the odds.
