Policeman's honour for saving a life

A police officer who went to the aid of a man suffering a heart attack in a Black Country street is being honoured for his life-saving actions.

Pc Dave Webb helped a paramedic to resuscitate the 50-year-old after he was found collapsed in Round Hill, Sedgley.

The father-of-four was one of the first to arrive on the scene and was joined by some of his colleagues from the Sedgley neighbourhood police team.

The policeman, who is based at Sedgley Police Station, said: "We had a call to say there had been a cardiac arrest in the street.

"The paramedic was trying to resuscitate the man with a defibrillator but it wasn't working.

"I did chest compressions until the ambulance arrived to take him to hospital.

"We carried on chest compressions and on route we were able to get him back."

The Royal Humane Society, which recognises acts of bravery which lead to the restoration of life by resuscitation, is now going to present Pc Webb with an award.

The 50-year-old was nominated for the Resuscitation Certificate by his colleagues at West Midlands Police.

Pc Webb, who is also a grandfather-of-six, said: "During my 17 years I've been involved in a few similar situations but sadly the patients haven't survived so it was nice that this time there was a happier ending and the man survived. He is now doing very well and is grateful to be alive. I was just doing my job by helping members of the public, but am pleased to be receiving the award as it is quite prestigious."

Pc Webb also paid tribute to the ambulance crew and his fellow police officers who helped during the emergency in January, adding: "It was all about team work. We don't train with the ambulance and fire services but when push comes to shove we can work very well together," he added.

Captain Matthew Webb, who was the first to swim the English Channel, was the first to be honoured by the Royal Humane Society in 1874, for attempting to save a drowning sailor."