Scots Dad Reunites with Good Samaritans Who Saved His Life After Cycling Heart Attack
Linlithgow, Scotland – November 7, 2025 - A West lothian father today met the strangers whose fast actions saved his life after he suffered a cardiac arrest while cycling near Linlithgow Loch.David Ross, 53, collapsed on the B9080 on October 26, 2025, and was clinically dead for nearly 20 minutes before being revived by a combination of bystander CPR and the rapid response of emergency services. Today’s emotional reunion highlights the critical importance of public CPR training and the life-saving impact of immediate assistance.
Ross’s heart stopped while on a routine bike ride, leaving him unconscious on the roadside. Fortunately, off-duty nurse Emma Davidson and construction worker John MacLeod were nearby and immediately sprang into action, initiating CPR until paramedics arrived. Thier sustained efforts, coupled with the use of a defibrillator by the Scottish Ambulance Service, ultimately restored his heartbeat. Ross is now recovering well at home with his family,crediting the swift intervention of Davidson and MacLeod with giving him a second chance at life.
“I remember absolutely nothing of it,” Ross said, speaking at a gathering arranged by STV News. “I just woke up in the hospital. To meet Emma and John and thank them in person… it’s overwhelming. They are my heroes, and I owe them everything.”
Davidson, who lives in Bo’ness, explained the urgency of the situation. “I just reacted. I saw him fall, and I knew instantly something was wrong. You don’t think, you just do. It’s incredibly rewarding to see him doing so well.”
MacLeod,from Falkirk,added,”it was scary,but we just kept going until the ambulance arrived. anyone could have been in that position, and I’m just glad we were there to help.”
According to the Scottish Ambulance Service, over 3,000 people are now registered on The Circuit, a national database of responders who can be alerted in the event of a nearby cardiac arrest. This initiative aims to increase bystander intervention rates and improve survival chances across Scotland.Ross’s case serves as a powerful testament to the effectiveness of this network and the vital role played by ordinary citizens in emergency situations.
