TWO police community support officers (PCSOs) have been commended for reviving a pensioner after she collapsed with a suspected heart attack – giving her family nine precious days with her before she died.

PCSO Adrian Richards and PCSO Christine Taylor of Chester-le-Street Police were today (Monday, October 20) given a St John’s Ambulance Award following their life-saving action in the town’s Front Street in January.

The officers rushed to help when the woman in her early 70s collapsed in the street. Both officers started CPR when they realised she had no pulse.

PCSO Taylor then kept the onlookers away and cared for the woman’s husband, while she and PCSO Richards helped paramedics from the North East Ambulance Service.

He continued CPR in the ambulance and after 20 minutes a faint pulse was detected. The woman was admitted to University of North Durham, where she died nine days later.

Chief Superintendent Ivan Woods said: “I think the officers did a brilliant job.

“They reacted very quickly in a difficult situation and through their efforts they were able to bring her back to life. Sadly, despite their valiant efforts she only survived nine days. Our thoughts go to her family.”

PCSO Taylor said: “We are on foot patrol when someone told us a lady had collapsed. We ran straight over and noted she was blue in colour.

“She had no pulse and we both started CPR and continued to do so when the ambulance arrived and started getting their equipment ready.

“We got her on a stretcher and I went with the ambulance and continued to help with CPR.”

The woman started to breathe on her own before they arrived at the hospital.

He said: “We were sad to learn she had later died. But it gave the family time to understand what had happened.”

He added: “I appreciate the recognition. We undergo medical training on an annual basis, which keeps us updated on the latest techniques.”

PCSO Taylor said: “I am very proud to have received the award. We are not in the job for awards, though. We would do exactly the same thing to help anybody else.”

St John’s Ambulance dales area manager Derek Lythe said: “Being a first aid organisation it gives us great pleasure to present this award.”