14/11/2025
Excellent news
When a call came in from ambulance that a two-year-old girl was choking, PCs Ellie Scott and Helen Brown leapt into action.
Being closer to the address in the Chester le Street area than the travelling ambulance crew they found themselves first on scene.
The little girl was unresponsive, and her mother was naturally distraught, and desperate for her to wake up.
Without hesitation, the two officers quickly took control of the situation and began CPR.
They were able to establish that the youngster was likely to be choking on some food she had eaten.
They remained calm and were also able to communicate about what they were doing with the rest of the little girl’s terrified family who were watching on helplessly.
Once the girl was breathing, PC Scott and PC Brown found that she had something blocking her airway and carried out further first aid to try and clear it.
However, when this failed, the pair had to remove it by hand – resulting in the girl’s airways clearing and she regained consciousness.
The youngster was then comforted by her mother who had been desperately trying to cuddle her throughout before being checked over by paramedics.
She has since made a full recovery.
Chief Inspector Barry Evans, of Durham Constabulary said: “All our officers are trained in first aid, but they never know when they will have to use it.
“PC Brown and PC Scott were extremely calm and acted quickly during what must have been an extremely traumatic time for the family.
“What they did was incredible, and their actions undoubtedly save the life of this young girl.”
