Local Civil Guard Captain Saves Man's Life with Quick Action

Rapid Response Saves Life: Estella Civil Guard Captain Performs Life-Saving CPR A 69-year-old man is recovering after a life-saving intervention by Captain Sergio Álvarez of the Civil Guard in Estella, Navarre, Spain. On Thursday, June 26th, 2025, the man suffered a cardiorespiratory arrest in a crosswalk near the town's Ega River. A passerby alerted the nearby Civil Guard barracks, and Captain Álvarez immediately responded. "I saw a person lying in the street, completely blue," Captain Álvarez recounted in an interview. "He wasn't getting enough oxygen; he was essentially dead." Captain Álvarez immediately began CPR, continuing for five minutes until the man showed signs of recovery. The man, a resident of Estella-Lizarra for three years, was transported to the García Orcoyen Comarcal Hospital where he is currently recovering. Captain Álvarez visited him in the hospital, sharing a touching moment when the man grasped his hand and expressed his gratitude. "The greatest reward was when I went to the hospital and he gave me his hand, said thanks, and looked me in the eyes," said Captain Álvarez, visibly moved. This incident underscores the importance of quick action and the dedication of first responders in saving lives. It also highlights the positive community relationships built by local law enforcement.