A Clydebank man has been named a ‘first aid hero’ after he risked his own life to save a driver who suffered a heart attack at the wheel and crashed into the barrier of the Erskine Bridge.

Robert Adams, nicknamed ‘the Erskine Bridge Hero’, noticed the vehicle as he was travelling across the bridge and he knew something was wrong.

The 50-year-old acted quickly when he saw that the OAP driver was slumped over the steering wheel and turning blue.

Robert broke the passenger side window and pulled the man out before carrying out emergency CPR until paramedics arrived at the scene. His quick response ultimately saved the man’s life.

On Friday, at the Scottish First Aid Awards ceremony, held in Glasgow, he was recognised for his efforts in providing emergency first aid to save the life of a stranger.

Robert’s partner, Melanie Todd, who nominated Robert for the award after witnessing his valiant efforts at the scene, said: “Robert showed courage, strength, and selflessness to save the man’s life.

"I’m so proud of how he acted in that moment, he was absolutely determined to not let him die.

“He truly is a first aid hero and should be awarded, to acknowledge his bravery and commitment to helping others.”

Robert, who works offshore as an industrial rope access supervisor, had learned First Aid and CPR skills from St Andrew’s First Aid, but until this incident had never had to apply his learning to a real-life scenario.

Since the incident, the 74-year-old driver has made a full recovery.

The man, who is a father of eight, with 13 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren reached out to Robert to thank him for giving him a second chance at life.

His children also expressed their gratitude for saving their dad in what could have been a very different scenario.

Upon receiving the award, Robert said: “I’m so grateful to receive the award of First Aid Hero from St Andrew’s First Aid.

"You never think you’re going to have to use these skills, but I’ve seen first-hand how much of a difference it can make having this knowledge.

"You might only need to use it once, but that could be the difference between life and death.”

The First Aid Hero category of the St Andrew’s First Aid Awards saw an exceptional response, with nine nominees in the category demonstrating acts of bravery and lifesaving skills in emergency situations.

Stuart Callison, chief executive of St Andrew’s First Aid, said: “Robert showed immense bravery in his actions, and should be commended for his exceptionally calm thinking and administration of life-saving first aid skills.

“His actions highlight how important first aid training is, and how these skills may need to be used in unimaginable situations.

"His willingness to ensure the driver remained alive is a testament of a true first aid hero.”

Close to 400 people attended the St Andrew’s First Aid Scottish First Aid Awards which were held at Radisson Blu on Cambridge Street in Glasgow and hosted by Jane McCarry, also known as Isa from Still Game.

More nominations than ever before were received (over 60), recognising first aid heroes across the 12 categories.