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A popular TV advert featuring Hollywood hardman Vinnie Jones has saved its first life after a man from Dalkeith managed to save his partner’s life by remembering the advice in the ad.

Derek Burt, 49, woke up to find his partner Angela, 43, having a heart attack. Luckily, he remembered a TV ad from the British Heart Foundation, in which the actor Vinnie Jones carries out life-saving chest compressions to the rhythm of the Bee Gees’ song ‘Stayin’ Alive’. The ad is designed to show people how simple CPR can be, as well as provide a memorable reference to bring to mind in emergency situations.

Mr Burt started chest compressions and kept going until the emergency services arrived to take care of his partner, who was taken to the hospital. Angela, who had no history of heart problems but had been unwell since February, has since recovered and has married her life-saving and quick-thinking partner Derek.

Speaking after the traumatic event, Mr Burt explained that even though he hadn’t had first aid training, he was able to carry out CPR thanks to the advert. He said:

“I got her off the bed and onto the floor and the first thing I thought of was the Vinnie Jones ad. I only watched it and paid attention because it had him in it.
“Had it been a doctor in a white coat I wouldn’t have paid so much attention. I certainly never dreamt I’d have to use it a few months later.”