Pontypridd Detective Receives National Honour for Life-Saving CPR Action
A detective from Pontypridd has been awarded a prestigious national honour after his quick thinking and decisive action helped save the life of a young boy. DC Connagh Howitt was off duty and out for a run when the incident unfolded last July at the Hawthorn High School playing field in Rhydfelin.
Off-Duty Heroism at the Scene
The four-year-old boy had fallen off his bicycle and suffered a sudden cardiac arrest, leaving his mother in a state of panic. DC Howitt, witnessing the emergency, rushed to the child's aid without hesitation. He immediately began administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), a critical procedure in such life-threatening situations.
For a full 15 minutes, DC Howitt continued performing CPR, maintaining the boy's circulation and breathing until paramedics arrived on the scene to take over. His persistent efforts proved vital; the child began breathing again and was subsequently transported to hospital for further care.
Recognition from the Royal Humane Society
Following numerous medical tests and a recovery period, the young boy was discharged from hospital, his life preserved thanks to DC Howitt's intervention. In recognition of his bravery and life-saving skills, DC Howitt has now been awarded a Royal Humane Society Resuscitation Certificate.
Andrew Chapman, secretary of the Royal Humane Society, praised the detective for his actions. "Thankfully he was running past at the moment the child came off its bike and suffered a cardiac arrest," said Mr Chapman. "Without question he was the right person in the right place at the right time."
Mr Chapman emphasised that DC Howitt "assessed the situation and knew what to do to give the little boy the best chance of survival. He richly deserves the award he is to receive."
The Importance of CPR Training
This incident underscores the critical importance of CPR knowledge beyond emergency service personnel. Mr Chapman highlighted, "This is another of many cases we see which emphasise the value of as many people as possible, not just members of the emergency services, learning how to administer CPR. It can, as it did in this case, make the difference between life and death."
The Royal Humane Society, a charity dedicated to honouring acts of bravery in saving human lives, has a rich history spanning nearly 250 years and has made over 220,000 awards. DC Howitt's certificate adds to this legacy, celebrating everyday heroes who step up in moments of crisis.
