Hercules doctor leaps into action, saves Lyft driver's life

HERCULES, Calif. (KGO) -- There's never a dull night around the Olayiwola household in Hercules. A busy mom runs homework, and music practice, and dinner.

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"Everything is always a crisis when you're a parent," said Dr. Nwando Olayiwola.

Two nights ago on Interstate 80, she solved a crisis that may seal her reputation as one cool customer. The episode began when she hired a Lyft car home from the airport.

That ride changed in an instant. Olayiwola had been sleeping. The driver opened his window, seemed to be in distress and she recognized the signs--a heart attack.

Olayiwola instantly switched modes from passenger to doctor and told the driver to pull over. "He was moaning, writhing in pain."

She called 911, then the driver's wife. In minutes, the Rodeo-Hercules Fire Department arrived and took 35-year-old Mir Peerzada to the hospital.

As it turns out, he moved to the Bay Area after serving U.S. forces in Afghanistan as an interpreter.

"I thank her a lot, she did her best," said Peerzada. "And my wife says thanks to her."

"When I told my kids what happened, they said I am a hero," Olayiwola added. "I said I did what any good doctor should do."

She did what any good passenger, client, or person in the right place at the right time, with the right skills.

"I feel like I saved his life," she said happily. "I know I saved his life. I saved his life."

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