DOYLESTOWN BOROUGH, PA — A Central Bucks Regional Police Officer who helped save a man's life has been recognized with the department's Life Saving Commendation.
Police Chief Karl Knott was on hand at the April 23 police commission meeting to present Officer Rhiannon Browne with the recognition.
On March 28, police received a call from Bucks County Radio of a man in cardiac arrest in the parking lot of 57 West Court Street in Doylestown Borough. Officer Rhiannon Browne, along with Sergeant Wayne Jones and Captain Paul Kreuter, responded to the scene where they found an unresponsive 45-year-old man.
Officer Browne started using the Bag Valve Mask to help the patient breathe. Doylestown Fire Company arrived and simultaneously started chest compressions. Central Bucks EMS also arrived and performed advanced life support.
The actions allowed the patient to breathe on his own and survive the incident following a sudden cardiac arrest.
According to the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation, sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death among adults over the age of 40. Approximately 424,000 individuals experience cardiac arrest annually, and 9 out of 10 do not survive.
Sudden cardiac arrest is survivable if appropriate and immediate pre-hospital care is provided.
"The immediate care of the victim had a direct impact on the outcome of this incident," said Chief Knott. "Officer Browne’s quick response, recognition of the severity of the medical emergency, immediate action, and effective CPR resulted directly in saving the life of the patient."
He added, "A failure in act or action after delay could have led to a tragic outcome. The actions of Officer Browne reflect positively on the Central Bucks Regional Police Department and her individually."
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