An Edinburgh man who suffered a heart attack at the wheel has spoke of his gratitude for heroic police officers who ignored their injuries during a crash to rush to his aid.
The horror crash occurred on Salamander Street, Leith, on January 10 this year when the driver suffered a heart attack and his car veered towards an oncoming police vehicle. The police officer driving was forced to make a split second decision and chose to drive into the man's car to avoid any harm to the public.
The heroic decision resulted in injuries to two officers as they ran out of the wreck to administer first aid to the gentleman. It is understood that the officers were on their way to arrest another criminal when the incident occurred.
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PC Cameron MacIver decided to hit the vehicle straight on to ensure no pedestrians on the road or other drivers were caught up in the horror moment. As a result, officers suffered injuries including broken ribs and a broken wrist.
Despite their injuries, the three, MacIver, as well as Idrees Duffy and Ronan Robertson, rushed to the aid of the other driver as they began CPR in a fight to revive him.
They also co-ordinated the arrival of emergency services and kept the scene safe for around 35 minutes waiting for paramedics to arrive and then assisting them. After about 15 minutes treatment from paramedics during which time a defibrillator was used on the man he began to breathe again and both he and the three injured officers were taken to hospital where they all went on to make a full recovery.
Now, all three officers have been awarded Royal Humane Society Testimonials on Parchment for their efforts in ensuring both public safety and potentially saving the life of the driver.
In addition to the awards they are to receive they have also won the personal praise of Andrew Chapman, Secretary of the Society.
“The driver of the police car, PC MacIver had to make a horrific, split second decision – whether to try and avoid the collision and risk pedestrians being hurt or whether to risk inevitable injury to himself and his fellow officers,” said Mr Chapman.
“He didn’t hesitate in putting the safety of the public before the safety of himself and his colleagues. It was a courageous decision and unfortunately the officers paid a high price in their injuries for it. But despite their injuries their first thoughts were then for the driver who had suffered the heart attack.
“And, thanks to their efforts he went on to survive. They were true heroes and richly deserve the awards they are to receive.”
Chief Inspector Andy Gibb said: Around 9.10am on Monday 10 January, 2022, police received a report of road crash involving two Ford Fiesta motor cars. Emergency services attended and three men were taken to hospital for treatment. Enquiries were carried out to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident and no criminality was established.”
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