Police officer praised for swift actions Quick-thinking PC helped save the life of an elderly man

A QUICK-THINKING police officer has been praised for his swift actions which helped save the life of an elderly man suffering a heart attack in Newcastle city centre.

PC Tony Stephenson and colleague PC Iain Brown were first on the scene when 81-year-old George Maughan collapsed outside Sinners Bar at Newgate Street, Newcastle, at around 6.50pm, on Saturday, March 1.

PC Stephenson carried out CPR and helped keep Mr Maughan, from Gosforth, alive until paramedics arrived on the scene. Mr Maughan was then taken to Newcastle General Hospital for treatment, where he is awaiting surgery in the coronary care unit.

PC Stephenson says all police officers are trained in first aid and would have reacted in the same way. He said: "I was first on the scene and immediately began carrying out CPR with the assistance of an off-duty nurse.

"I carried on when the paramedics arrived and in the ambulance, before they took him to hospital for treatment. Thankfully, paramedics and hospital staff have managed to save him.

"I went to see Mr Maughan in hospital last week to see how he was and I'm delighted he's pulled through. He's in good hands and is getting the treatment he needs."

The family of Mr Maughan today praised the actions of PC Stephenson.

His daughter, Philippa Gallagher, also of Gosforth, said: "I am eternally grateful to the officers who attended the scene, particularly PC Stephenson, who helped support my father's life until paramedics arrived.

"We also received fantastic help from police who came to tell me what had happened and took me straight to the hospital. The support we've received from local officers has been faultless from start to finish."

PC Stephenson's supervision, Inspector Ricky Thompson, added: "We're very proud that PC Stephenson has been able to use his training to help save a life. He reacted quickly in difficult circumstances and thankfully Mr Maughan is now on the road to recovery."