Charles Gordon slipped into unconsciousness after having the attack at the wheel of his car outside Aberdeen’s Union Square complex on February 16 this year.
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The 76-year-old hit the car in front of him during the incident, which happened beside the centre’s New Look store.
Emergency services were called and police officers pulled Mr Gordon, of Highgate Gardens, Aberdeen, from the car.
Constable Gillian Esson then began giving him mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, until passer-by Ewen Simpson, 42, of Macbeth Place, Lumphanan – an experienced first aider – carried out CPR.
Meanwhile, Richard Lornie, 31, of Devanha Terrace, Aberdeen, who was a passenger in the car which had been hit by Mr Gordon’s vehicle, rushed into nearby Cineworld to find a defibrillator to help save Mr Gordon.
Mr Lornie said he feared the worst after the paramedics arrived but was relieved when he heard Mr Gordon had survived.
“Luckily I was on a refresher course in using a defibrillator the day before, so when I saw Charles I knew what had happened,” he said.
“It is nice to be recognised, but what is more important is that Charles was OK afterwards – he was still in the ambulance when I left the scene and I was not sure he would pull through.
“I was glad to see so many other people wanting to come and help as well.”
Mr Lornie administered a shock before the crew took over.
Mr Gordon congratulated the people who came to his aid, and said: “Everyone since has told me it was a little miracle, and as far as I am concerned that is exactly what it was.
“All I can do is thank them profusely for what they did for me.”
