Daijiworld Media Network – Philadelphia

Philadelphia, May 18: A newly joined Uber driver in Philadelphia is being hailed as a hero for his swift response that saved a passenger's life during a routine ride.

Taras Zvir, 38, who recently began part-time driving for Uber while working on a startup, was on a morning ride on February 25 when the incident occurred. His passenger, Justin Anderson, 41, was on his way to work in Bucks County when he suddenly became unresponsive inside the car.

Zvir, recalling the moments before the emergency, said the two were having a light-hearted conversation about music and driving for Uber. However, things quickly turned critical as Anderson's head slumped and his breathing became erratic.

“His head started bobbing, and he looked like he was suffocating,” Zvir told People. Acting fast, Zvir pulled over, called 911, and began administering CPR, using life-saving skills from his previous role as an ambulance driver. “I pulled him out, laid him flat on the ground, and began CPR. I kept going for six to eight minutes until the paramedics arrived,” he said.

Doctors later diagnosed Anderson with a spontaneous brain haemorrhage caused by a rare condition called arteriovenous (AV) fistula. He underwent emergency surgery to remove a large subdural hematoma and reduce pressure on the brain.

Anderson’s mother, Deborah, expressed deep gratitude in a GoFundMe post, writing, “Had he been home alone or driving himself, he wouldn’t be alive today. We are so grateful for the Uber driver's quick thinking.”

At the time of the incident, Anderson had just started a new job and is a father to a 17-year-old daughter. He remains in recovery with small signs of improvement, such as responding to his mother’s questions with eye blinks.

Despite the praise, Zvir remains humble. “I just saw someone who needed help — so I helped,” he said. He remains in touch with Anderson’s family and hopes to meet him once he recovers.