Tragic lorry driver died despite brave CPR effort

VALIANT: Knockhill circuit staff race to 49-year-old driver’s aid with defibrillator

“We did everything we could, we couldn’t have tried any harder.” These are the words of Gemma Hobbs, one of a trio of Knockhill racing circuit staff who fought a brave battle to save a dying lorry driver on Thursday. The 49-year-old DX Logistics driver took ill at the wheel as he drove along the A823 near the entrance to the motorsport track. The Knockhill team were alerted to the unfolding tragedy by a staff member who was leaving the circuit. “He phoned to say we needed to get down there, the guy appeared to be having a heart attack,” Gemma explained. Because of the nature of the motorsport industry, many members of staff at Knockhill are trained in CPR and use of defibrillators. Event manager Gemma jumped in a car with managing director Jillian Shedden and operations manager Alan Brunton. They were carrying one of the track’s several automated external defibrillators. Reaching the stricken driver, who by this time was out of the lorry’s cab, they performed CPR and used the defibrillator until paramedics arrived. One of the passers-by calling 999 explained the trio were trained and the operator stayed on the line offering guidance until the ambulance arrived. Gemma said it had been a harrowing experience, but they were all intent on doing everything they could to help. “We could not have tried any harder,” she said. Their thoughts were with the family of the driver and they hoped they could take some comfort from knowing their loved one had been given help. “It is always hard to see someone is going to get that dreaded message,” Gemma said. “Thinking about the family is the hardest part. “We always try our best and we definitely tried our best,” she said. For Gemma, the tragedy reinforced her firm belief that it was so important for people to have basic CPR training. She added: “Obviously these machines are catching on – I spotted one in the dentist’s the other day. “You just never know when they will be needed – there we were just sitting in the office and the next thing we are there. “It is so important to have CPR skills and have these machines, which are so easy to use.” With the driver’s identity yet to be released, a Police Scotland spokesperson confirmed officers were called to the A823 after an articulated lorry left the carriageway. They said: “The 49-year-old male driver was sadly pronounced dead at the scene, and our thoughts are with his family and colleagues. “A report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal.”

We did everything we could, we couldn’t have tried any harder

Picture: Gareth Jennings. Police responded to reports of a lorry leaving the A823 carriageway near Knockhill on Thursday evening.