A TEENAGE girl who saved the life of a child who had suffered a cardiac arrest is among the recipients of Warwickshire Police’s Chief Constable’s Awards celebrating ‘remarkable acts of bravery and commitment’.
Evie Headland, 17, from Rugby was presented with a special Chief Constable’s Commendation award at a ceremony at Warwick Racecourse.
Evie, who lived next door to the girl, was on her way home when she noticed her neighbour’s front door open and the girl’s mother screaming.
She went into the house and found the girl in cardiac arrest, so immediately began to administer CPR and continued until paramedics arrived.
Ch Cons Debbie Tedds said: “Paramedics said that had Evie not administered CPR when she did, the child may not have survived.”
The efforts of a police officer and her parents to save the life of a three-year-old girl were also recognised.
PC Lauryn Churchill was off duty when a car collided with the girl in Leamington in July 2020.
Along with her parents Darrell and Alicia, she took control of the situation and administered CPR.
Although the child did not survive, the efforts of Lauryn, Darrell and Alicia gave her the best possible chance of survival.
Once emergency services arrived, Lauryn consoled the girl’s sister.
Ch Cons Tedds said: “PC Churchill had only been out of initial training for six months at the time of the incident – but she showed the very best of policing despite being off duty.
“Darrell and Alicia went above and beyond to support the girl’s family and the attending officers during an extremely traumatic incident.”
Two PCSOs who helped save the life of vulnerable woman in the Rugby area also received awards.
PCSOs Helena Seal and Tony Winter were responding to a report of a high-risk missing person who was believed to be in a wooded area near the town.
They found the woman in ‘an extremely vulnerable and agitated state’, and she did not want to engage with the PCSOs.
Ch Cons Tedds said: “Both officers showed a great deal of compassion and resilience while helping the vulnerable woman. Their actions saved her life and enabled her to be brought to safety and access further support.”
An award was also given to a Police Cadet who dedicated her time during lockdown to learning sign language.
Alexandra Williams achieved level four accreditation in British sign language, despite having no previous experience or knowledge.
To help promote Deaf Awareness Week in May 2021, Alexandra made a video which was posted on the force’s social media accounts and received an overwhelming number of positive comments and shares.
Ch Cons Tedds said: “Alexandra has demonstrated her commitment to the cadet scheme and shown a true passion for sign language and helping others. In her own time she delivered training in basic sign language to her fellow cadets. We are extremely proud of her.”
