PCSOs Karen Creech: Photo Credit Metropolitan PoliceP

Two Lewisham Police Community Support Officers are being praised for saving the life of a 57-year-old-man who suddenly collapsed in Brockley Road on Christmas Eve.

PCSOs Karen Creech and Heather Watchorn, were on foot patrol in the area when the man suffered a heart attack. The duo were able to administer first aid and worked together to perform CPR on the man, before the paramedics arrived at the scene with a defibrillator.

Initially the man was not responsive to CPR and had stopped breathing, but the PCSOs continued to fight to save him despite fearing the worst.

PCSO Creech called for an ambulance and continued to give the man CPR. By doing so, the pair were able to get the man breathing again before the paramedics arrived on the scene.

The man was still in critical condition while being taken to a South London hospital but is now stable and has been transferred out of intensive care.

PCSO Watchorn said: “This was the first time I have dealt with a situation like that and our immediate thoughts were, we have to help this man. What this has shown both of us is whatever you do next can make a huge difference to someone’s life.”

Chief Inspector Stuart Bell, responsible for Safer Neighbourhoods on Lewisham Borough praised the duo, saying: “The PCSOs acted quickly without hesitation in what was a spontaneous situation, and their actions undoubtedly gave this man the best opportunity for survival. This was the first time these officers have been faced to deal with such a situation and they excelled in their approach and attitude.”