PCSOs praised for rushing to the aid of heart attack victim

Two police community support officers have been praised after rushing to administer first aid to a man who suffered a heart attack.

PCSOs Liz Old and Lucy Slater received an assistance call whilst patrolling on Valentine’s Day in the Northwood area of Stoke-on-Trent.

Jemma Ray was waiting for her Dad, Peter Hassall, to come and meet her but Peter was on the way when he became unwell in Cardwell Street.

Peter, aged 64, suffered a heart attack in the street and slumped to the pavement as people in neighbouring houses rushed to help.

Liz and Lucy got to the scene before the ambulance and performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Jemma said her Dad had no pulse and his heart arrested again in the ambulance and on the way to the hospital.

“If it wasn’t for Liz and Lucy who happened to be in the area – and their actions – I’ve no doubt we would have lost him,” Jemma said.

She said afterwards she had used social media to find Liz and Lucy.

“They’ve kept in touch, asking how he is. We’re so grateful. Dad is doing amazingly well.”

Peter has made a recovery in hospital and returned home.

Sergeant Charlie Emmett, of Stoke North Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We’re all very proud of Liz and Lucy. They’re committed to their jobs and supporting the community. We’re delighted Peter is back home and recovering following their swift actions that afternoon.”