Four Cumbrian police officers who gave first aid and CPR to two drivers involved in crashes have been honoured with awards.

Officers Scott Farmer, Jamie Callon, Jonathan Ingham and Kevin Bestford received NHS Cardiac Smart Awards for their efforts to save the lives of members of the public.

PC Farmer and Callon managed to save a man's life thanks to their quick thinking and first aid skills. All police officers in Cumbria are trained in CPR and use of defibrillators.

PC Farmer was actually off-duty on the day of the incident, Thursday, April 6, when he saw a collision ahead of him on the A596 opposite Workington Police Station. He stopped and went over to the driver involved in the collision who was unresponsive and having difficulty breathing.

With the help of two men who had also stopped, PC Farmer put the driver in the recovery position but he soon stopped breathing.

The officer quickly put the driver onto his back and began CPR. He also sent one of the men helping into the nearby police station to get a defibrillator kit.

PC Callon then arrived with the kit whilst PC Farmer continued doing chest compressions. PC Callon shocked the driver before PC Farmer carried out another 20-30 chest compressions.

The driver finally gave out a moan as he began to breathe again and was put back into the recovery position. The pair continued to monitor the driver until paramedics arrived at the scene to take over.

PC Farmer said: “Everyone at the scene really pulled together and worked hard in whatever they had to do. All in all, everyone played an integral part in helping out the driver that day.

“I am really pleased he has pulled through and is now back home with his family.”

PCs Ingham and Bestford received their awards in recognition of their attempts to save the life of an HGV driver involved in a collision on the M6 at junction 44 on Friday, 17 March.

When they officers at the scene the driver was not breathing and had no pulse. Between them the officers carried out CPR with heart compressions and use of the defibrillator.

A doctor arrived and administered drugs whilst the officers continued the heart compressions until the air ambulance arrived.

The man's pulse returned thanks to the police officers, whom the doctor praised. Sadly, the driver of the HGV subsequently died in the days that followed.

In addition to the individual awards, Cumbria Police also received a Cardiac Smart Silver Organisation Award. The awards are given by the North West Ambulance Service to schools, organisations and communities who actively work in their communities to increase survival rates of out of hospital cardiac arrests by installing defibrillators and training people in how to use them.

Cumbria Constabulary Chief Constable Jeremy Graham said: “I am proud to have received the Silver Organisation award on behalf of the Constabulary.

"This recognition shows the commitment we have to life-saving skills – skills which have been demonstrated by police constables Farmer, Callon, Ingham and Bestford.”

The ceremony to honour the officers was held on Friday, June 23. Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner Peter McCall also congratulated the officers.

He said: “I think we in Cumbria should be very proud to hear examples of such exceptional responses by our officers.

"There is no doubt that their quick thinking and life-saving skills have saved lives, and given others the best possible chance.

"These are fantastic illustrations, demonstrating the selfless service of our police and I offer congratulations and sincere thanks to all four officers.”