AN off-duty police officer who helped an elderly resident who was choking has been awarded a national honour.

PC Paul Delivett, who is with the Metropolitan Police Service, raced from his home in Walton to the nearby Brenalwood care home after receiving a call asking for help from a member of staff at the home.

When PC Delivett arrived at the home he found a 65-year-old man lying on his back on the ground not breathing.

He administered three abdominal thrusts and then began administering cardiac pulmonary resuscitation.

The man vomited and a lump of meat which had been blocking his airways was dislodged.

PC Delivett then continued with CPR for a further 20 minutes until an ambulance arrived and the paramedics took over.

The pensioner was taken to hospital but remained in a critical condition.

He sadly died three days later.

Speaking to the Gazette, PC Delivett said: “As soon as I got the call, I didn’t think twice and went there to offer any help I could.

“I stayed calm and made sure that I gave every effort to ensure he had a good chance of survival.

“I wouldn’t hesitate in helping those in need whether on or off duty.”

PC Delivett has been awarded a Royal Humane Society Resuscitation Certificate for bringing the pensioner back from the brink of death and giving him the best possible chance of survival.

Clacton and Frinton Gazette:

  • Brenalwood Care Home, Walton

Announcing the award at the Royal Humane Society in London, the society’s secretary Andrew Chapman, praised PC Delivett’s efforts.

He said: “Sadly the man died but without doubt PC Delivett gave him the best possible chances of survival and ensured that when he was handed over to the ambulance crew he was breathing.

“He did a wonderful job in bringing the man back from the brink of death.

“No-one could have done more and he richly deserves the award.”

Mr Chapman added the incident emphasised the value of as many people as possible being able to carry out CPR and other life-saving techniques.

Wendy McNeill, who is the manager at Brenalwood care home, added: “We were so grateful as a home that we could call on the experience and expertise of PC Delivett.

“His calmness and professionalism during this highly emotional and distressing situation brought comfort to us all.

“He is indeed a credit to the emergency services and highly deserving of his award.”