A heroic south London father was commended at a police ceremony last week for saving the life of a ten-year-old girl from Tooting.
PC David Brooks, 30, of Wandsworth and Merton police, was presented with a commendation for demonstrating professionalism, composure and exceptional first aid skill at the Metropolitan Police South West Basic Community Unit Commendation Ceremony last Thursday.
He was praised for his response to a call from parents to emergency services when their daughter had stopped breathing in November last year.
PC Brooks was given very few details of the circumstances, but arrived to a girl who was unresponsive and lifeless while her father attempted to resuscitate her.
PC Brooks, who has two young daughters of his own, said: “It was quite surreal. We weren’t in uniform at the time.
“We got there and the door flung open. The mum was clearly very grateful for anyone who could help.”
He added: “This was the first time I carried out CPR in my career and it was a child. You don’t expect a child.”
Despite the distressing circumstances, he remained calm and took control of the situation, instructing colleagues while he carried out CPR and successfully revived the girl within one minute, before paramedics arrived.
Superintendent Debbie Brown who presented the commendation said: “PC Brooks’ outstanding knowledge of the local area meant he got to the call within three minutes.
“Without PC Brooks’ timely arrival on the scene, his decisiveness and composure, the girl would potentially have died. Instead, she’s expected to have no long lasting injury or illness and this is the result of David’s actions.”
PC Brooks’ wife, Jennifer Brooks, 29, and mother, Maggie Brooks, also attended the ceremony to celebrate the achievement.
Mr and Mrs Brooks have two daughters, Molly, 8 and Imogen, 5.
Mrs Brooks said: “We are really really proud of him. He doesn’t boast a lot about what he does in his job, but he is very good in a crisis.”
She added: “The girl he helped was a similar age to one of our daughters. He came home and gave our daughters a big hug afterwards.”
PC Brooks was one of 30 officers, staff and volunteers who received commendations for outstanding service across Kingston, Merton, Richmond and Wandsworth at the ceremony at Imber Court, Molesey.
The commendations are held four times a year to celebrate the excellent contributions of south west London’s police.
