OFFICERS who revived a man after he stopped breathing are among North Yorkshire Police staff recognised by the Royal Humane Society.

Thirsk-based Sergeant Tom Ibbetson was awarded a Resuscitation Certificate along with PC Andrew Pearson, based in York, after they helped save the life of a man who suffered a heart attack.

It happened when the officers were flagged down by a distressed woman who was concerned about her husband’s erratic driving.

The man had undergone surgery a few days earlier and was driving to the hospital with his wife as passenger.

After becoming concerned by her husband’s driving, she got out of the car but he carried on.

The officers found him in his car nearby and while assisting, they saw him suffer a seizure and stop breathing.

The officers then administered first aid at the side of the road; Sgt Ibbetson carried out chest compressions while PC Pearson administered air to his mouth via an air bag.

Other officers arrived and flagged down a passing paramedic who informed the officers that the man was suffering a heart attack.

The two officers continued to give CPR while the paramedic prepared their equipment during which time, the man regained consciousness.

The paramedic then took over and the man was taken to hospital by ambulance where he remained overnight and was discharged the following day.

Other North Yorkshire officers to receive Royal Humane Society awards include four in the Selby area who prevented a man from attempting to take his own life.

Two officers in York, Sergeant Mark Grimes and PCSO Grenville Dowson along with another colleague, were awarded a Certificate of Commendation after rescuing a man from the River Foss in York.

A police inspector was also presented with a Certificate of Commendation after coming to the aid of a seriously injured motorist while he was off duty.

While travelling home late at night after completing a shift, he came across a vehicle that had crashed into a tree near Selby.

A member of the public had also stopped at the scene to call emergency services.

After stopping and using his own vehicle to protect the scene, he quickly assessed the situation that also involved a small child who was covered in blood.

Thankfully the child was uninjured other than minor cuts and bruises, but the driver of the car had suffered serious life-threatening injuries and was suffering from potential catastrophic blood loss due to a partially severed hand.

Using his first aid training and his own first aid kit, the officer applied a tourniquet and after several attempts slowed the bleeding down.

He assessed the scene for further casualties and safety, all in darkness save for the headlights of the vehicle belonging to the member of the public who had stopped.

The officer remained with the man, stemming the bleeding and providing care and reassurance until the ambulance arrived.

It was said that his actions prevented the man from bleeding to death at the roadside in the presence of the child.

Thankfully, surgeons were able to reattach the man’s hand.

Although no formal presentation ceremony was held due to the Coronavirus pandemic, where possible, the certificates were presented individually by Chief Constable Lisa Winward who said: “Our officers and staff have acted with compassion, humanity and professionalism in difficult and distressing circumstances.

“I am proud of them and pleased that the Royal Humane Society has recognised their actions. It is important to acknowledge the unseen work of our officers.

“I also want to acknowledge and thank the members of the public who have faced very distressing situations, for their quick and selfless actions.”