Two brave officers praised after helping save a woman’s life

Two Barnsley officers have been praised by a woman’s family after they courageously entered cold waters to assist her and her father.

Last week on Monday 28 August, we received a 999 call from a man stating his daughter had entered water in Barnsley. As he entered the water to save his daughter, his phone call ended, but not before he managed to provide a brief area description.

PCs Ben Child and Adam Morton from Churchfield Station responded immediately and started searching for the pair. Hearing his shouts for help, they found the man who was managing to hold his unconscious daughter’s head above water. Both officers entered the water and brought the two to safety.

Thankfully, the woman began breathing on her own and officers provided first aid.

Despite their own body temperature dropping from the cold waters, the duo remained professional and calm and continued to offer reassurance to the father and daughter while waiting for South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue to arrive with a suitable inflatable to get them safely for treatment from Yorkshire Ambulance Service.

Both the man and the woman were taken to Northern General Hospital for treatment and the woman is being given the necessary support.

The father, who wishes to remain anonymous, has thanked officers and the other emergency service teams for their actions and kindness.

Barnsley Chief Superintendent Simon Wanless said: “The quick thinking and selfless actions of the two officers to enter the water saved the woman’s life and possibly that of the father as well who had already been in the water a considerable time and was unable to get his daughter to safety.

“The officers’ heroic decision to place themselves at such risk to save the lives of members of the public is testament to their selflessness, bravery and professionalism.

“We’re proud to have dedicated individuals willing to put the safety of others before themselves, well done and thank you to both PC Child and PC Morton."

PC Ben Child and PC Adam Morton outside Churchfield Police Station in Barnsley