SAVING the life of a man who suffered a massive heart attack in the street has earned awards for two police officers.

Police community support officer (PCSO) Saroj Machin and PC Greg Foley were involved in resuscitating the 63-year-old man.

He had been involved in a minor road traffic collision in Six Hills Way, Stevenage on April 18 and was swapping details with the other driver when he suddenly collapsed.

PCSO Machin was on her way back to Stevenage Police Station when she came across the incident and went into action. She was shortly joined by a paramedic who began setting up defibrillating equipment while instructing her.

She said: “I started chest compressions. I had no recollection of anything going on around me except what I was doing. I had lost my glasses and my radio – but all I could focus on was me and him. It was really quite terrifying. My pulse was racing and I was shaking like a leaf.

“I found out later that the roads all around had been closed but I was oblivious to that at the time.

“I carried on compressions under instruction from the paramedic. It seemed like it was going on forever. The paramedic was encouraging me and told me I was doing well but I felt like the man’s life was in my hands and it would be my fault if he didn’t pull through.

“Then Greg arrived and offered to take over. I stood up and then just broke down in tears.”

The heart attack victim was taken to Harefield Hospital and rushed into surgery where a stent was inserted. He continues to recover well.

PCSO Machin said: “Three weeks later, I got to meet him and his wife at their home in Stevenage. It was really emotional. There were lots of hugs and tears. It was a really joyous occasion.

“I found out later that the hospital staff had said that had the PCSO not done what she did, he wouldn’t be here today. I do feel proud but it was a team effort. The paramedics were superb, really supportive and my colleagues, including Greg of course.”

The East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust Awards were presented by Stuart Reeves, British Heart Foundation community resuscitation development officer, who said: “I commend Saroj and Greg for their actions which resulted in a life saved.”

PC Foley said: “I think Saroj did incredibly well. She had never done anything like that before. It takes courage to carry out CPR on someone and she pulled him back from the brink. She did a great job.”