Quick-Thinking Cops Save Man’s Life After Stroke Scare
What looked like a routine stop turned into a race against time after three Gloucester officers spotted a taxi driver in trouble. Their swift action saved Abdullah Bhaiyat from a potentially fatal stroke.
Suspicious Behaviour Sparks Life-Saving Intervention
PC Emma-Jayne Smith was patrolling Eastgate Street in January when a passerby stopped her. They had seen Mr Bhaiyat leave a pub and feared he was drunk behind the wheel. Emma-Jayne quickly stepped in, preventing him from starting his car.
She called PC Jess Hopton and PCSO Matt Addinall, who were nearby, to assist. They noticed Mr Bhaiyat was unsteady on his feet and slurring his words. A breathalyser test, however, came back clear. Mr Bhaiyat, a Muslim who does not drink, was telling the truth.
Stroke Suspected—Officers Rush Man to Hospital
Realising something serious was wrong, the officers acted fast. They put the confused Mr Bhaiyat in a police car and sped to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital. It took just 12 minutes from their first contact to reaching A&E—crucial minutes that made all the difference.
Doctors confirmed Mr Bhaiyat had suffered a stroke. Without the officers’ quick thinking, the outcome could have been far worse.
Grateful Survivor Thanks His Lifesavers
Now recovering at home, Mr Bhaiyat returned to personally thank the three officers for their heroics.
“We are eternally grateful for the help that the officers gave me. I’m well aware that, if it hadn’t been for their fast reactions, I may not have been here today. My family and I cannot thank them enough.”
The officers received a Local Policing Area Award from Superintendent Carl Bourne, who praised their “quick thinking and prompt actions” and called their compassion during the emergency “a credit to them and their uniform.”
