Special constables save man’s life

A group of special constables saved a man’s life this week after he stopped breathing in Northampton town centre.

It was 7.20pm on Tuesday, October 24, when the seven officers were on anti-social behaviour patrols near the Guildhall and one of them spotted a man lying on the stairs.

Despite them trying to wake him, he didn’t respond and it was quickly established that he was very ill and that his condition was deteriorating rapidly.

The team decided that he needed hospital care as soon as possible so decided to get him into their van and blue-light him to Northampton General Hospital.

However on the way, the man stopped breathing and when one of the officers checked for a pulse, there wasn’t one. 

CPR was commenced and the man started breathing, only to stop again a short time later, with the officers once more beginning chest compressions to try and bring him back.

Thankfully, his breathing returned and the team were able to get him to hospital where he could continue his treatment before being able to return home.

Citizens in Policing Sergeant - Nick Paul said: “This was a really fast-paced incident and I have no doubt that this team of special constables saved a life that day.

“I am exceptionally proud of them for their quick-thinking, their professionalism, and the care they showed this man from beginning to the end. Every single one of them have made a difference to a life that cannot be measured.

“Special constables are truly worth their weight in gold. They have all the skills that our regular officers possess but they volunteer their time - choosing to come into work purely to help people, fight crime, and make their communities a better place.”