Copper's thanks for saving life - even after five broken ribs!

Richard Shelton pictured (left) with PC Ryan Everitt

PC Everitt was one of the first on the scene after mechanic Richard Shelton suffered a heart attack in the garage at Main Street police station on December 2 last year.

The quick-acting copper caused the chest fractures when he carried out CPR on Mr Shelton, but his patient had nothing but gratitude when they were reunited.

Mr Shelton, who repairs police vehicles in the garage at the station, paid PC Everitt a surprise visit to thank him.

PC Everitt (36) said: “It was a very emotional day. I came on duty and when I walked into the briefing there was this strange man and woman.

“I say ‘strange’ because I didn’t know who they were, I thought they were plain clothes officers or CID at first.

“Then the man said: ‘I want to thank you for saving my life’ - I couldn’t believe it because he looked so different.

“If you do CPR the ratio of bringing somebody around is slim to none.

“His wife gave me a hug and he thanked me but did say: ‘There’s one thing though, you broke five of my ribs.

“When he said that, I thought: ‘Oh no’ but it was very emotional to see him again.”

PC Everitt told how he had returned to Main Street to found paramedics attending to Mr Shelton.

He and Insp Jim Sheard took over the resuscitation, allowing ambulance staff to concentrate on preparing Mr Shelton for hospital treatment.

He said: “I gave CPR for about ten minutes and then continued on the way to Rotherham Hospital.

“Richard went in for emergency surgery and the doctor came in and asked his wife to contact his immediate family because they didn’t think he would make it.”

PC Everitt said Mr Shelton had two further heart attacks at hospital but the day could have been very different.

“Richard is one of our district drivers and he delivers parts across the area. He was just about to jump in his car and get on the M1,” PC Everitt said.

“It was a dreadful day because we thought we had lost him, but we’re very happy with how it turned out.

“Richard is back in uniform and he looks totally different. Overall, it was down to the team effort of everyone that he was saved.”