Doctor saves driver after medical emergency on busy Atlanta road

A routine commute turned into a lifesaving rescue Wednesday morning when a Northside Hospital doctor jumped into action after spotting a driver in distress on Holcomb Bridge Road.

(CNN)- A routine commute turned into a lifesaving rescue Wednesday morning when a Northside Hospital doctor jumped into action after spotting a driver in distress on Holcomb Bridge Road.

Dr. Kehinde Idowu says he noticed something was wrong when a white SUV continued moving at the same speed despite cars honking around it. “I just thought something’s happening with that car,” he recalled.

Moments later, the SUV veered off the roadway and crashed into a building. Surveillance video shows Dr. Idowu immediately rushing toward the vehicle to check on the driver, who appeared to have suffered a heart attack behind the wheel.

“I was not expecting to do that,” Idowu said. “But it’s part of our training as medical providers to be prepared to do CPR in case you see someone in need.”

With help from nearby staff, Idowu pulled the man from the vehicle and discovered he had no pulse. He began performing CPR until first responders arrived with a defibrillator to stabilize the victim.

“Eventually, he started breathing on his own, which was reassuring to see,” Idowu said. EMS crews then transported the man to the nearest hospital.

The doctor says what happened is a reminder that CPR is a skill anyone can learn, and one that can save lives when seconds matter. “CPR is very helpful and beneficial. It’s something I recommend anyone learn,” he said.

The driver is now recovering. His SUV was totaled in the crash, but Idowu says what matters most is that the man survived.

He hopes one day he’ll get the chance to meet him again: “I’m just happy to know that he made it through.”