A police officer has been praised for his quick thinking that saved a man's life following a serious car crash on the M5. Satnam Singh was flung into the air after being struck by a white Vauxhall while attempting to push his broken-down Audi TT onto a verge.
West Mercia Police officer Oliver Potter witnessed the aftermath of the collision while traveling on the A4019 Tewkesbury Road near junction 10 of the M5. He immediately went to help and found Mr. Singh unresponsive with labored breathing. In a frightening moment, Singh stopped breathing entirely, and PC Potter began CPR.
After approximately 20 compressions, Singh took a large breath and resumed breathing on his own. PC Potter has now been credited with saving his life and received a Chief Constable's Public Award for his heroic actions.
Details of the Incident
A spokesperson for Gloucestershire Constabulary explained: "Even when off duty and out of their own force area, a police officer is always ready to step in if needed. This is exactly what PC Oliver Potter did when he came upon a collision in Cheltenham – and his actions saved the life of a man called Satnam Singh."
The incident occurred when the driver of a white Vauxhall collided with an Audi TT that had pulled over to the side of the road awaiting recovery. The Audi's owner, Satnam Singh, was outside his vehicle trying to push it further onto the verge when the collision happened. He was thrown into the air and landed on the carriageway, with the front of the Vauxhall ending up on top of him, though fortunately the wheels did not run over him.
PC Potter attempted to speak to Singh but found him unresponsive with labored breathing. After being alerted by other members of the public that Singh had stopped breathing, Potter quickly assessed the situation, rolled the Vauxhall back, and began CPR. After 20 to 25 compressions, Singh took a large inhalation of breath and started breathing again.
Recognition and Awards
Singh was taken to hospital and survived, directly thanks to Potter's prompt actions. The officer was honored at the Gloucestershire Constabulary and Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner's Impact Awards on April 15, a ceremony recognizing outstanding work by officers, staff, volunteers, and partner agencies.
A spokesperson for West Mercia Police added: "We are so proud of you, PC Potter. This really is the heart of what good policing is: community, care and always being ready to help."
Chief Superintendent Edd Williams, local policing commander for Herefordshire and Worcestershire, personally commended PC Potter: "I'd like to personally commend PC Potter on behalf of West Mercia Police for his swift reactions to this emergency he happened upon while off duty. His prompt response undoubtedly and thankfully made the difference for Satnam and was rightly worthy of a Chief Constable's commendation. Our officers are trained for these situations, but they never know when they may need to think on their feet and apply their lifesaving skills. In this case PC Potter also went above and beyond by pushing the car off Satnam. We are proud of PC Potter for his actions, and it is good to see officers step in whether on or off duty, and wherever they are."
