A pair of Staffordshire police officers, PCs Emily Gabbott and Josh Taylor, have been nominated for the National Police Bravery Awards 2024 for their courageous and swift response that saved the life of a vulnerable woman trapped in her home.
The uk/news/uk/harrow/" title="Harrow" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-wpil-monitor-id="15121">harrowing incident unfolded when a distressed woman sent a video to her estranged partner, showing a lit BBQ inside her home. The concerned partner immediately dialled 999, prompting a rapid response from the Staffordshire Police.
PCs Gabbott and Taylor were the first on the scene, finding the house filled with smoke emanating from open windows. With fire and ambulance services en route and enforcer patrols miles away, the officers conducted a dynamic risk assessment, recognizing the urgent need to act.
Realizing that time was critical, PC Taylor attempted to force open the front door with a battering ram, while PC Gabbott sought access through a neighbor’s garden. With the neighbour’s assistance, PC Gabbott climbed into the woman’s garden and entered the smoke-filled house through an open window.
Inside, she discovered the unconscious woman lying face down on the floor of a smoke-filled bedroom. PC Taylor swiftly joined her, and together they attempted to wake the woman and safely evacuate her from the hazardous environment.
Despite the woman’s unresponsiveness, PC Taylor carefully moved her downstairs and onto the lawn, placing her in the recovery position. Meanwhile, PC Gabbott conducted thorough searches of the house to ensure no other occupants were trapped inside.
Joined by fire and rescue service personnel, the officers provided vital first aid until ambulance staff arrived. Undeterred by the risk, they re-entered the property to confirm everyone’s safety, ensuring the woman’s children were accounted for.
Thanks to their decisive actions, the woman made a full recovery. The officers’ bravery and quick thinking undoubtedly contributed to the positive outcome of the incident.
Staffordshire Police Federation Chair Lee Robinson praised PCs Gabbott and Taylor for their outstanding bravery and swift action, emphasizing that their intervention likely saved the woman’s life.
Chief Constable Chris Noble commended the officers for embodying the values of Staffordshire Police, putting the safety of others above their own without hesitation.
PCs Emily Gabbott and Josh Taylor’s nomination for the Police Bravery Awards 2024 serves as a testament to their extraordinary courage and dedication to protecting the community.
