Police officer awarded for saving man's life
Friday, 15 October, 2010
A POLICE officer, who helped to save the life of a suicidal man, has been given a prestigious award.
Chief Superintendent Bob Eastwood presented PC Rachel Higson with the Liverpool Shipwreck & Humane Society Award at a special ceremony held at Blackburn Mayors Parlour this morning.
Police were called around 1.20pm on 28 February 2010, after a man had been found hanging at an address in Darwen. PC Higson, who was first on the scene, performed CPR on the man until paramedics arrived. She then continued CPR with the ambulance crew until the man's heartbeat returned and he started to breath.
He was taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital in a serious condition and is now recovering at home.
Sgt Mark Wilson, who nominated PC Higson for the award, said: "There is no doubt that, without PC Higson's early intervention and swift action, the man would have died and I am proud of her achievements."
The Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society makes honorary awards of medals, parchments, certificates and letters of commendation to people who voluntarily put their own lives or safety at risk by saving or attempting to save other people who are in danger in cases of shipwreck, drowning, fire or any other hazards.
Since the Society was first formed in 1839 it has awarded over 9,200 medals, medallions and bars in gold, silver or bronze as well as a countless number of parchments, certificates and letters of commendation. These awards reflect the varying degrees of risk and it is only in rare instances that in memoriam awards are made to rescuers who lose their life in the attempt.
