TWO POLICEMEN are being hailed as heroes after their quick thinking helped stop a young girl choking.
The seven-year-old was struggling to breathe and coughing up blood in the dramatic incident on Wednesday, November 29.
But the actions of PCs Aaron Kincaid and James Blundell prevented the situation becoming even more serious after they arrived at the distraught family’s Tameside home.
To the huge relief of the girl’s understandably hugely distressed parents, PC Kincaid utilised his first aid training to full effect, successfully dislodging the sweet from the girl’s throat and helping to calm her down before paramedics arrived.
PC Blundell did everything he could to help the parents remain calm. Upon arrival, paramedics took over and the young girl was taken to hospital as a precaution.
PC Kincaid said: “We’re both glad that we were in the right place at the right time.
“I have a daughter the same age as the little girl who needed our help, and I cannot tell you how much of a relief it was when she started breathing normally and said she was okay after I had managed to dislodge the sweet.
“I remember saying, ‘Thank God for that.’
“The little girl gave me a thank you hug before she went to hospital, but I couldn’t have done what I did without PC Blundell’s assistance. It was a real team effort.”
Superintendent Mike Walsh, from Greater Manchester Police’s Tameside district, added: “PCs Aaron Kincaid and James Blundell acted without hesitation during the incident and took control of the situation that they were faced with.
“They deserve every credit for staying calm under extreme pressure and for working together as a team and utilising their training to lifesaving effect.
“I am sure the girl’s parents and family will consider the officers to be absolute heroes.”