Heroic actions of Staffordshire officers that saved woman’s life recognised at national awards ceremony

The heroic actions of two response officers that saved a vulnerable woman’s life in Staffordshire have been recognised at the National Police Bravery Awards.

PC Emily Gabbott and PC Josh Taylor were the first ones to arrive at the scene after the woman sent a video to her estranged partner, prompting a concern for welfare call to our control room.

(PC Josh Taylor and PC Emily Gabbott before the awards ceremony)

Fire and ambulance crews were on the way, but both the officers knew there was no time to waste and began immediate efforts to try and get in the house to bring the woman to safety.

PC Taylor used a battering ram to try and break through the door, whilst PC Gabbott went next door to try and find another way in.

With the help of a concerned neighbour, PC Gabbott used a step ladder to get into the woman’s garden. There was a window open at the back of the house, allowing PC Gabbott to crawl through and get inside.

Both of the officers ran up the stairs to find the woman unconscious in a smoke-filled bedroom. She was suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning.

PC Taylor picked up the woman and took her downstairs. He put her in the recovery position on the lawn.

Despite the dangerous levels of carbon monoxide, PC Gabbott rushed back inside the building to make sure no one was left over. Thankfully, there wasn’t anyone else inside.

Ambulance and fire crews arrived and began immediate treatment on the woman.

Thankfully, through PC Gabbot and PC Taylor’s bravery, along with the other emergency responders, the woman has now made a full recovery.

Recognising their life saving actions, both officers were awarded the Excellence in Bravery Award in memory of John Taylor last year. Since then, they were recognised at the National Police Bravery Awards 2024, which took place yesterday (Thursday 11 July).

Staffordshire Police Chief Constable Chris Noble said: “Emily and Josh represent the best of policing. Their swift and decisive action on that day undoubtedly saved the life of this woman. They were unhesitating in putting her safety ahead of their own when they entered that building.

“Police officers and staff make sacrifices and confront danger every day to protect the public. These officers helped save the life of a vulnerable woman who was unconscious in her home. Whilst we see and recognise extraordinary acts of bravery on nights like yesterday – courage in policing is common place across Staffordshire every single day.

“Their care and compassion embody the values of Staffordshire Police, and I wholeheartedly commend them for their bravery.”

Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime Ben Adams said: “These officers risked their own safety to protect the lives of others, showing enormous bravery, compassion and commitment.

“I’m delighted that their bravery has been recognised with this national award, and I thank them for their continued service and everything they do every day to keep our communities safe.”

Staffordshire Police Federation Chair Lee Robinson said: “I am incredibly proud that two of our colleagues from Staffordshire Police have been recognised for their outstanding bravery, not just by the most recent in-force award, but now also on the national stage.

“PC Emily Gabbott and PC Josh Taylor’s actions represent exactly what policing is about every day for thousands of officers up and down the country. They ran straight towards the danger without a moment of hesitation for their own safety, and in doing so they undoubtedly saved the life of a fellow human being. What an outstanding act that was. I am so proud of them and I know all of our colleagues in Staffordshire Police are too.”