SAVING the lives of three seriously ill men, talking a suicidal woman away from a cliff edge and helping to reduce knife crime — Isle of Wight police heroes were honoured at the district commander’s awards ceremony at Newport Congregational Church Hall last month.

Sgt Mark Lyth, detention officer Rosina Hughes, PC Darin Young, PC Scott Cooper and forensic nurse practitioner Jane Danaher received Chief Constable Commendations for their help saving the lives of three detainees at the Isle of Wight custody centre.

Three men were brought in, but their health started to deteriorate significantly as a result of having taken drugs before they were arrested.

One of the men became difficult to rouse and was taken to A&E.

Another was examined by Miss Danaher, during which he collapsed and required the immediate application of oxygen. His condition continued to deteriorate rapidly.

As a result of the medical assistance, including resuscitation, from Miss Danaher, detention officer Hughes and PC Young, he was able to be taken to hospital, albeit in a serious condition.

PC Cooper was tasked with keeping constant observations of the third man. He did this diligently and calmly despite the situation in the other cells and ensured his detainee was roused regularly, his airway was kept clear and his medical condition constantly assessed, enabling the other officers to focus on the other seriously ill detainees.

The officers involved remained calm and professional throughout. They administered medical aid, far beyond what would normally be expected.

The situation was highly stressful and they demonstrated professionalism as individuals and as a team.

The combined effort of these officers and the nurse saved the lives of two detainees, possibly a third.

PCSO Justin Keefe received a District Commanders Award for helping a distressed woman on the cliff edge at Freshwater Bay.

He was first on scene and located the woman, who was very close to the edge.

He spoke with her and persuaded her to come away from the edge. After an hour of negotiations, she started to crawl back towards land.

She then fell unconscious, collapsing at the cliff edge. She was recovered by coastguard and taken to hospital.

PCSO Keefe showed outstanding skills in what were very difficult circumstances.

Sgt Justin Pringle received a District Commanders Award for his work around Operation Sceptre, the national response to knife crime.

Working with multiple internal departments and outside agencies, Sgt Pringle led enforcement and preventative work across the Island, including work with secondary schools and visiting retailers.

Between April 2018 and April 2019, the Isle of Wight saw a reduction in knife crime and a significant part of this is attributed to Sgt Pringle’s hard work.

Supt Sarah Jackson said: “The work highlighted in these awards demonstrates the commitment and diligence of our officers, staff and partners.

“The recipients should all be proud of their achievements and the difference they have made to members of our community.

"I’d like to personally thank each and every one of them for their actions and contribution to our Island."

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