Two married off duty police officers helped to save the life of a man who collapsed during a run.
The husband-and-wife duo were off-duty and driving home on Thursday October 6 when they spotted the man who appeared to be lying face down, unconscious on the footpath on Glendale Road in Middlesbrough.
The couple, PC Liam Goodall from Durham Constabulary and Detective Sergeant Jayne Goodall from Cleveland Police, proceeded to jump out of their car and ran over to the man and spoke to a crowd that has soon gathered at the scene.
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By now, it became apparent that the officers were the only people there that could offer any kind of medical assistance. They were told by witnesses that the man had been out running when he suddenly yelled, grabbed his chest and dropped to the floor.
After noticing the man had stopped breathing, Jayne rushed to commence CPR while Liam rang the ambulance service.
They both then took turns to carry out CPR, while paramedics arrived and treated the man with adrenaline and a defibrillator – the man eventually began to stabilise and was taken to James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough where he spent time in intensive care.
He was later released home to recover with partner Caroline and their children Esther and Sidney.
The runner, who has now been identified as Oliver Williams has now made a full recovery and was able to meet with Liam and Jayne earlier this week following his successful radio appeal to track down the people ‘who saved his life’.
The Goodalls are now fundraising for a defibrillator machine to be installed in the Tollesby area which can be available 24/7, should it be needed in another emergency.
Detective Sergeant Jayne Goodall said: “I am really pleased that we could help Oliver and that he was able to get the medical care that he needed to make a full recovery. In order to help others who may find themselves in a similar situation, myself and Liam are now fundraising to get a defibrillator machine installed so that it can be accessed quickly if needed.
“I’m sure that anyone would have done the same if they had found themselves in our position, we joined policing to help people and we were glad to be able to help OIiver.”
PC Liam Goodall said: “Before this happened, myself and Jayne weren't aware of the locations of any local defibrillators, particularly on an evening. We have since researched this and found that survival rates for those suffering a cardiac arrest are 20% higher with the use of a defibrillator, which is why we are now coming together with Oliver and his family to fundraise.
“I am pleased that Oliver is now recovering at home with his family and is receiving the medical care that he needs.”
Oliver Williams said: “I can't thank Liam and Jayne enough for what they did for me that evening in August. Without their life-saving actions, I wouldn't be here today. I'll forever be in debt to both Liam and Jayne, they really are real-life super heroes.
“I am hugely passionate about raising the awareness of defibrillators and fundraising to hopefully get one installed in the area in which I found myself in trouble and if possible, in other areas across Teesside."
Durham Chief Constable Jo Farrell said: “This was a selfless act by both officers who ultimately saved Oliver’s life – had they not been in the area at the time, Oliver may not have been here today to thank them. A huge well done to them.”
Cleveland Police Chief Constable Mark Webster said: “I’m delighted that Oliver is now making a recovery at home and that he has got the medical help that he needs. Both Jayne and Liam are a credit to policing and they should be really proud of themselves. I will be really pleased to present them both with a Chief Constable’s Commendation for their actions.”
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