Dustin Hoffman helps heart-attack jogger in London

Called ‘999' after he saw victim frothing at mouth; paramedics revive patient with defibrillator

May 08, 2012 02:51 AM

**AP Photo/Danny Moloshok** Actor Dustin Hoffman poses for a portrait while promoting the new HBO television series “Luck” at the Television Critics Association Winter Press Tour in Pasadena , Calif. on Friday, Jan. 13, 2012.

Press Association

LONDON — A jogger who suffered a cardiac arrest was saved after Dustin Hoffman went to his aid.Sam Dempster, 27, collapsed during a morning run in London’s Hyde Park last month as the Rain Man actor was taking a walk.

Dustin, who has a house in the capital, waited with the stricken lawyer until paramedics from London Ambulance Service (LAS) carried out resuscitation and rushed him to hospital.It is thought the 74-year-old actor also called the emergency services, but LAS was unable to confirm this.

After paramedics restarted Mr Dempster’s heart, Dustin said: “Great job, guys,” The Sun reports.Mr Dempster, who was taken to hospital and underwent life-saving surgery, told the newspaper:

“I have no memory of what happened. The paramedics told me I had been saved by Dustin Hoffman. It’s unbelievable.”

Paramedic Martin Macarthur told The Sun: “Dustin was fascinated. He seemed impressed we’d got this guy back so quickly."When we were carrying the patient into the ambulance he walked up and said ‘Great job, guys.’"He really appreciated what had happened.”

Cardiac Care Community Awareness