Man pronounced dead made noise after hour of CPR

A patient started breathing again after a decision had already been made that he was dead, according to first responders.

Kent Police said officers were flagged down after a car crash in Sheerness in November and found the driver "unconscious and not breathing".

Officers, paramedics and firefighters removed the man from the car for treatment but a decision was later made to stop resuscitation after nearly an hour "as the man had passed away", according to the force.

"As he was transferred into an ambulance, noises were heard, and when paramedics completed a final check they realised the man had started breathing again," police said.

The Royal Humane Society, a charity that recognises acts of civilian bravery, awarded a commendation to PC Braden Farrow and resuscitation certificates to PC Abbie Penfold and PC Emily Savage that were presented in September.

PC Penfold and PC Farrow had removed the man from the car while PC Savage and PC Penfold had assisted with CPR, according to Kent Police.

The force said a member of the public had used a chainsaw to cut through a hedge that was blocking access to the car, after the vehicle left the road and hit a tree.

Medical professionals at the scene noted that "nothing like that had ever been seen before", according to police.

Chief Constable Tim Smith said the PCs had "demonstrated professionalism and the ability to remain calm and listen to CPR instructions in really challenging circumstances".

"They should be rightly proud of their actions, which led to a miraculous result, and I congratulate them for their excellent work," he said.

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