Bus driver Matt hailed hero after saving passenger's life

Torbay Stagecoach driver Matthew Murray has been hailed a hero after helping to save the life of an elderly woman found collapsed on his bus.

Not only did Matthew fetch a defibrillator and follow ambulance instructions to bring the passenger around, he then re-routed his bus to take her home to recover fully with her family.

Matthew has been praised for his ‘calm action’ after the life-threatening medical emergency in Brixham.

Stagecoach revealed how Matthew quickly identified the unresponsive passenger and coordinated with emergency services while remaining in control of his bus service.

Acting on ambulance instructions, he helped secure life-saving support including retrieving a defibrillator and liaising with a doctor, while members of the public assisted at the scene.

The passenger regained consciousness and was safely transported home to her family, with both a witness and his manager praising Matthew’s calm, professionalism, and compassionate response.

As for Matthew? Despite the scale of his actions, he described his response as ‘instinctive rather than extraordinary’, saying: “I simply acted as anyone should in a moment of need, and would hope the same would be done for me.”

Stagecoach says it is proud to recognise Matthew after he demonstrated ‘exceptional calm, professionalism, and compassion’ while responding to the incident on board a service in Brixham.

Matthew, who has worked for Stagecoach for just under five years, has built his career in public service roles. Prior to joining the bus industry, he worked as a chef at Waterside Grill and Dartmouth Navy College. Originally born in Coventry, he moved to Torbay at the age of 12 and has since made the area his home.

The incident occurred at the Brixham terminus, when passengers alerted Matthew to a woman who appeared to be asleep on board. On checking her welfare, he quickly identified that she was unresponsive and immediately contacted the emergency services.

Following guidance from the ambulance service, Matthew acted decisively under pressure, including being instructed to collect a defibrillator from Brixham Library while two members of the public remained with the passenger.

During the call, he was also connected to a doctor via ambulance control, who confirmed the passenger had a history of heart conditions, including a pacemaker.

As the situation developed, the passenger regained consciousness. In coordination with emergency services and Stagecoach control, arrangements were made for her to be safely transported home to her daughter.

Matthew then diverted his service to complete the journey directly to the passenger’s address, ensuring she was handed over safely to family.

A customer who witnessed the incident praised Matthew’s response in a message to Stagecoach which said: “Your driver went far beyond the call of duty. He was an exceptional man. The bus was empty when I got on except for the driver and an old lady, who had collapsed and was looking very ill. He called for an ambulance, spoke with a doctor, and obtained a defibrillator, all whilst in charge of the bus.

“He was so calm in a critical situation. It finished with him taking his bus off route to see this lady home. There is more detail I could state but I commend your driver for an award. His name is MATT. Thank you.”

Stagecoach also commended Matthew’s actions, highlighting both his judgement and humanity in a highly pressured situation.

Matthew Sells, Duty Manager, said his response reflected the very best of the organisation’s values adding: “Matthew’s actions were exceptional. He remained calm, followed emergency procedures precisely, and showed real compassion for the passenger involved.

“What stands out most is his willingness to go beyond what is expected to ensure her safety and dignity. We are incredibly proud of him.”