A MILLICENT police officer has been commended by the South Australian Police for saving the life of a drowning woman.
Senior Constable First Class Nick Patterson was awarded a certificate of commendation after responding to an incident at the Millicent Swimming Lake on December 26 last year.
He was performing general solo duties when he observed two people performing CPR on an unconscious female.
She was unresponsive, had no pulse and was not breathing.
Const Patterson recognised the chest compressions were not performed deeply enough and her airway was blocked, so he took over and gave clear and accurate instructions to the person managing the airway.
CPR was continued until the arrival of SA Ambulance personnel, who he assisted with cardiac compressions and later managed the airway.
The certificate of commendation stated “despite extreme emotional and physical pressure, Const Patterson remained calm and continued to assist the patient”.
“He provided support to SA Ambulance Service members until the patient was conveyed to the Millicent Hospital and subsequently retrieved to Adelaide where, after treatment, she made a near total recovery.
“Const Patterson demonstrated a remarkable degree of courage and self-control under immense pressure.
“He directly contributed to saving the life of Mieke Owen-Philips.
“Through his actions Const Patterson has brought credit to himself, the Limestone Coast Local Service Area and the South Australia Police.”
Limestone Coast Police officer in charge Superintendent Grant Moyle presented the certificate to Const Patterson at the Millicent Police Station last week.
