Award For Police Officer Who Saved Life in Northolt

PC Corin Evans given a prestigious London Ambulance Service Award

( PC Corin Evans with the Commissioner Cressida Dick]

An off duty police officer has been given a special commendation after helping save the life of a woman who had been knocked down in Northolt.

PC Corin Evans was off-duty on his way to work when he saw the young woman, Tania, struck by a car on Mandeville Road in February last year.

PC Evans, recalls: "My initial reaction was shock, but I knew I had to get to her as soon as I could because the impact was so significant - it was clear she was going to be extremely hurt."

PC Evans told a member of the public to call an ambulance and began chest compressions. Despite having no gloves, protection or medical equipment, he also tried rescue breaths.

PC Evans said: "I knew then that with blood in her lungs, CPR wouldn’t be effective. I asked another member of the public to hold her head, slightly tilt it to the side to try and drain the blood from her mouth whilst I continued giving chest compressions."

A few minutes later, LAS paramedic Chris Richardson arrived. He said: "By this stage, the patient was breathing and had a faint pulse, and Corin stayed to assist me until the ambulance crew arrived."

"When we arrived at the hospital, the medical team told me her chances of survival were very slim due to the nature of her injuries. I was told to expect her to die," PC Evans said.

"I had around five hours on my own to process what had happened whilst she was in theatre. I was in shock mainly. But once she came out, she was in a coma and was being monitored. At that point it was more relief, relief that she had a chance of surviving."

"I was told she would very possibly have lasting brain damage, however thankfully that turned out not to be the case and she made a full recovery."

PC Evans has since been reunited with Tania, when he was honoured with a Borough Commander’s Commendation in March.

"It’s very rare that we later get to meet the people we help, so it meant a lot to be able to meet her and hear about her recovery," PC Evans said.

Speaking about PC Evans, Tania said: "What else can I say, when thank you is never going to be enough."

PC Evans was nominated for the London Ambulance Service (LAS) Chief Executive’s Commendation award by paramedic Chris Richardson and was presented with it at the ceremony on Thursday, 27 April.

The ceremony celebrates winners in a range of categories, with Chief Executive Commendations recognising "highly exceptional actions, often described as ‘acting beyond the call of duty’, which brings credit to the individual and the service."

"Being recognised was a really proud moment," PC Evans said. "I didn’t expect anything to come from it; the main thing is how well the victim’s recovery has been. It was also really nice to hear that somebody who’s trained and saves lives every day thought enough of what I did to take the time to nominate me."

About 300 people attended the ceremony, including Commissioner Cressida Dick.

The Commissioner said: "It was a privilege to meet Corin and to see him receive his LAS award. It’s clear that without his decisive actions and quick thinking, things could have ended very differently. Corin is a credit to the Met."

10th May 2017