Driver's defibrillator push after colleague dies

Carlos Santos helped fund and install the defibrillator in memory of fellow First Bus driver Richard Dewdney

A bus driver has installed life-saving equipment in a city centre at the spot where his friend and colleague collapsed and later died from a cardiac arrest.

Carlos Santos, 39, from Cadbury Heath in Bristol, has worked as a bus driver for 18 years and is also a relief CCTV analyst and former Special Police Constable.

In December 2024, his colleague Richard Dewdney suffered a heart attack and collapsed while waiting for his next shift at Broad Quay.

"There were no defibrillators available on the system unfortunately," said Carlos. "The air ambulance critical team arrived. They worked on him for about an hour, but unfortunately he ended up passing away."

The new defibrillator was used within 12 hours of being installed

Determined to prevent similar tragedies, Mr Santos and fellow drivers raised funds for a defibrillator.

First West of England paid the shortfall and the device was installed outside Turtle Bay on Broad Quay, with a plaque dedicated to Richard.

It was used within 12 hours of being installed due to a medical emergency nearby.

Mr Santos has also founded BristolResus4All, a not-for-profit organisation working with Great Western Air Ambulance, Avon and Somerset Police, and Defibs4Bristol to install and maintain defibs across the region.

He said his aim is to ensure no one is more than a three-minute return walk from a defibrillator.

"I started to look into defibrillators in the city centre [but] there was not one available," he said.

"I found out that around 15 defibrillators were already installed [in local areas], but they lacked maintenance."

Mr Santos managed to get all the equipment working again, and found out his work has already helped save a life.

"Only a few weeks ago, I met someone that actually survived the cardiac arrest due to me checking a public defibrillator," he said.

"It was really good that I could meet him face to face and shake his hand."

Mr Santos added: "It's so important to get more defibrillators made available and ensure existing ones are properly maintained because people have been dying unnecessarily.

"It doesn't matter what age - it can happen to anybody."