HAMLET — Four police officers are credited for helping another family avoid a holiday tragedy Monday morning.
Cpl. Kevin Viana was filling out paperwork, about to get off shift, when he responded to a cardiac arrest call at a home on Second Street along with Sgt. Charles Talley, Sgt. Amanda Reagan and Patrolman Jacqueline Brown.
When they arrived, officers say the victim, a 70-year-old woman, was being administered CPR by her son.
When the officers checked, Patrol Capt. Donald Ray Morton said there were no signs of life.
While the other officers took turns giving chest compressions and speaking with family members to keep them calm, Brown comforted a small child in another room.
Not long after EMS arrived, the woman had regained a pulse and began breathing.
Morton said the officers’ attempts, as well as EMS, is what saved her.
“They made a difference, especially right here at Christmas time,” Morton said. “It could have been detrimental and their quick thinking saved a life.”
It made an impact on the officers’ lives as well, he added.
The patient was taken to FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital where she reportedly has been admitted to a room.
