Family say thanks to off-duty PC for saving grandad after suspected seizure at wheel
A FAMILY have paid tribute to a police officer who saved a grandad’s life after finding him slumped over inside his car.
Long Eaton grandfather-of-two John Payne, 79, was found by PC Lyndon Youd in a stationary car in the middle of a road heading towards Nottingham on Tuesday at around 11.30am.
The officer, who was off duty from his role in Nottinghamshire Police at the time, smashed the passenger side window with a brick before moving the car out of the dangerous position.
He then proceeded with two minutes of chest compressions, bringing Mr Payne back to life while passersby also stepped in to help control traffic.
Mr Payne is now recovering in hospital. His daughter, Joanne, has now expressed her gratitude for PC Youd’s actions.
She said: “What started as a normal day turned into what we think is a seizure at the wheel but for dad, he was so extremely lucky that an offduty officer was there and recognised he was in trouble. There are just no words, to sum up. It just seems like words aren’t enough.
“PC Youd deserves a medal for what he did. He saved my dad and without him, I wouldn’t have him here and I’d be heartbroken so, in a way, he saved my life, too.”
PC Youd, who has worked on the frontline of policing for more than 20 years, explained how, upon seeing the incident, he did not think twice about jumping into action and helping.
He said: “Even though I wasn’t in uniform at the time I’m a police officer and will always do my utmost to help no matter the situation and if I’m on duty or not.
“I want to wish John a speedy recovery and also to thank the other members of the public who stopped to help and control traffic.”