Stansted staff praised for life-saving response
Date: 16 December 2025Swift action by Stansted Airport staff has been hailed as lifesaving after a Nottinghamshire man suffered a sudden cardiac arrest while passing through the terminal.
David Marshall collapsed without warning on his journey from Ireland to France in June this year.
Airport staff acted immediately, performing CPR and deploying a defibrillator.
The EEAST ambulance crew arrived within four minutes and paramedic Chris Green described the scene: “On arrival, high-quality chest compressions were in progress, and I was particularly impressed that the first aid team had already rotated responders to maintain effectiveness and prevent fatigue. “Equally commendable was the way the team upheld the patient’s dignity amid the urgency of the situation. Medical screens had already been set up, shielding the patient from public view, and additional staff were navigating members of the public away - a thoughtful and professional touch.”
Mr Marshall was transferred to specialist care at the world-renowned Essex Cardiothoracic Centre at Basildon Hospital and is making a good recovery.
He thanked the team at Stansted for their swift action: “I’ve experienced no memory loss, personality change, or loss of intellectual faculty, which is an amazing achievement.
“They certainly gave me a second chance and I’m very grateful to them.”
EEAST Chief Executive Neill Moloney presented commendations to the three staff members who delivered CPR: Sophie Bauer, Toby Swain, and Trevor Garrod.
He said: “The airport staff responded with speed, skill, and professionalism. Their actions undoubtedly contributed to the high standard of care delivered under pressure.
“It’s no exaggeration to say that the team’s incredible efforts made our crew’s job significantly easier. Their early interventions and coordinated response were instrumental in getting such a good outcome for Mr Marshall.”
