Officers commended for life-saving actions following Sheerness collision

Three Kent Police officers have been recognised by the Royal Humane Society for their quick thinking which led to a man’s life being saved.

At the Chief Constable’s Awards Ceremony, held on 1 September 2026, PC Braden Farrow received a commendation, and PCs Abbie Penfold and Emily Savage each received resuscitation certificates following a resolution from the society for their prompt actions.

Called to a collision

In November 2025, PCs Farrow and Penfold were on patrol in Sheerness when they were flagged down by a member of the public to attend a collision.

It was reported that a vehicle had left the road and collided with a tree, and the driver was now trapped inside and unreachable because of a hedge blocking access.

With the assistance of a member of the public who was able to cut back some of the vegetation with a chainsaw, the two officers managed to open the driver’s door and found the man unconscious and not breathing.

Supported by Kent Fire and Rescue Service and the South East Coast Ambulance Service, PCs Penfold and Farrow removed the man from the car so he could be given medical treatment.

PC Savage and PC Penfold helped paramedics as they carried out CPR for nearly an hour before the decision was made to stop as the man had passed away.

As he was transferred into an ambulance, noises were heard, and when paramedics completed a final check, they realised the man had started breathing again.

The paramedics and doctors at the scene noted that nothing like that had ever been seen before and it was due to the prompt action and life-saving aid of the three officers, along with the other emergency services, that the casualty survived.

Recognising the good work of the officers

Presenting the awards to the officers, Chief Constable Tim Smith said:

‘The three officers showed tenacity, strong teamwork and a determination to overcome the challenges that arose that day, in order to save a life. ‘From freeing the man trapped in the vehicle, to giving him the very best chance of survival, they demonstrated professionalism and the ability to remain calm and listen to CPR instructions in really challenging circumstances. ‘They should be rightly proud of their actions which led to a miraculous result, and I congratulate them for their excellent work.’