Home / Health / Son's Dad Saved by Off-Duty Officer's Quick Action
Son's Dad Saved by Off-Duty Officer's Quick Action
29 Oct
Summary
- An off-duty police officer saved a man's life after a sudden cardiac arrest.
- The officer performed CPR and used a defibrillator, restarting the man's heart.
- The saved man expressed deep gratitude, highlighting his son not losing his father.
An off-duty police sergeant has been recognized for his life-saving actions after resuscitating a man who suffered a cardiac arrest. The incident occurred on April 4th when James Ashley, 52, collapsed in a shop shortly after completing a parkrun. Sgt Adam Hollings, a 21-year veteran of Gwent Police, was nearby and swiftly administered CPR and used a defibrillator.
Ashley, who clinically died twice, has since made a full recovery and expressed immense gratitude to Sgt Hollings. He stated that the officer's intervention ensured his 12-year-old son did not lose his father. Sgt Hollings, awarded a Royal Humane Society Resuscitation Certificate, described his actions as 'autopilot' due to his extensive training.
The event highlights the critical importance of immediate CPR and defibrillator use in cardiac emergencies. Sharon Owen, CEO of Calon Hearts, a Welsh charity, praised the officer's quick thinking and stressed that "every second counts." She encouraged the public not to fear performing CPR, emphasizing that "doing something is always better than doing nothing," and urged people to overcome any embarrassment, as everyone deserves a chance at survival.
