Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Saturday 5th April 2025 at 19:30hrs
A quick-thinking off-duty police officer from Durham Roads and Armed Policing has been hailed a hero after saving the life of a one-year-old baby in Darlington last week.
The officer was out for a run when he heard a woman screaming from a nearby house.
Upon investigation, he found the distressed mother holding her one-year-old child who was limp, unresponsive, and not breathing.
Despite being off duty, the officer immediately sprang into action. The mother had already called for an ambulance, but the officer knew precious seconds counted.
He rushed to the woman’s aid and began administering CPR on the infant until paramedics arrived at the scene.
The baby and his mother were swiftly taken to a local hospital where the child received urgent medical attention.
Thankfully, after spending a night under the care of doctors, the baby is now reported to be doing well and is expected to make a full recovery.
While all Durham Constabulary officers receive training in basic first aid, specialist units like the Roads and Armed Policing team undergo further, more advanced life-saving training to equip them for critical situations.
A spokesperson for Durham Constabulary praised the officer’s decisive actions, stating:
“We are incredibly proud of this officer. His quick thinking and immediate response in a stressful situation undoubtedly had a positive impact and no doubt helped to save this little boy’s life.
This incident highlights the dedication and commitment of our officers, who are always ready to help, whether they are on or off duty.”
This heartwarming incident serves as a powerful reminder of the vital role emergency services play in the community and the profound impact that prompt and effective action can have in life-threatening situations.
The officer’s selfless actions have brought immense relief to the baby’s family and underscore the value of the advanced first aid training provided to specialist police units.
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