26/02/2026
CPR and use of a defibrillator saves another life. Well done to everyone involved.
The call came in – reports of a two-year-old girl unconscious and not breathing.
The ambulance was on its way, but medically trained fi****ms officers PCs Jonathan Deschacht and Rachael Yalcin on routine patrol were just two minutes away from the house.
First on scene, they grabbed their medical kit bag from the back of the armed response vehicle and rushed into the address to find the little girl in cardiac arrest.
The pair immediately worked together carrying out CPR and applying the defibrillator.
Thankfully, within minutes the little girl regained consciousness and started breathing on her own.
Paramedics arrived at the house in the Durham City area to take over her care.
PCs Deschacht and Yalcin then provided a blue light es**rt for the ambulance in order for the girl to get medical support in hospital as quickly as possible.
Thankfully, she is recovering well and is now back home.
Chief Inspector Sarah Hindmarsh, of Durham Constabulary, said: “When an incident like this happens, especially involving a child, it can be a very emotional situation for all involved.
“Ideally first on scene would be ambulance, however we are often the closest to respond. These officers remained calm under pressure, and ultimately their quick-thinking actions have saved this young girl’s life.
“My specialist teams are trained to an advanced level of first aid, and we hope they never to have to put their training into use, but as demonstrated if a situation requires them to, they will always be ready to help.
“I am very proud of the actions of the officers, it must have been a terrifying experience for the little girl and her family, but we are all so pleased the little girl is now recovering.”
