Officers help save man’s life in Consett

When it comes to saving lives, every minute matters.

On Tuesday, May 12, PC Charles Holliday was flagged down by a member of the public after a man was found unresponsive with a facial injury on Consett Front Street.

PC Bethany Reeves and PC Kline Hillary immediately responded from Consett Police Station to assist their colleague. Within moments, officers confirmed the man had no pulse and was not breathing, with CPR commencing within 60 seconds of officers initially arriving on scene.

They were joined by an off-duty paramedic, an off-duty Northumbria Police officer, and members of the public who assisted in calling an ambulance, all working together to save a life. A defibrillator was also used during this incident, highlighting just how vital this equipment is.

Multiple ambulance crews attended and took over the care of the patient whilst officers continued to assist with CPR.

Thanks to the swift actions of everyone involved, the man was stabilised at the scene and was breathing independently before being taken to hospital by the North East Ambulance Service.

Inspector Cudden said: “I am extremely proud of my officers and the members of the public who helped save a man in cardiac arrest. Their immediate actions undoubtedly saved his life.”

Every minute really does matter. NHS England states that for every minute without CPR and defibrillation, the chance of survival reduces by 10%.

While incidents like this are rare, this shows just how crucial first aid training is and why all frontline staff at Durham Constabulary receive advanced first aid training every year.

You never know when you might help save a life.