PCs commended for saving the life of stabbing victim
TWO South Yorkshire police officers have been commended for saving the life of a man who was repeatedly stabbed in a brutal knife attack.
PC Tracey Bullas said she was only “doing her job” when she carried out nose-to-mouth CPR on the dying victim, Darren Raistrick, in March.
The knife was still in Mr Raistrick’s neck when PC Bullas and her colleague PC Ray Bell arrived at the scene in Beighton, following reports of a multiple stabbing.
PC Bullas decided to remove the blade and carry out CPR – a move that medics later confirmed had saved his life.
His attacker, Michael Mallinder, 46, of Armstead Road, Beighton, was last month sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court to 20 years for attempted murder. He had visited his ex-partner’s home, taken a knife from the kitchen drawer and stabbed his victim in the head and neck in front of his own children. He was still standing over Mr Raistrick when PC Bullas and PC Bell arrived.
The officers (pictured) have been awarded a commendation by Chief Superintendent David Hartley, District Commander for Sheffield.
“Police officers are asked to do some extraordinarily difficult things as part of a ‘day at work’ but this was a truly horrific and brutal attack,” said Ch Supt Hartley.
“These two brave officers disarmed and detained the man and immediately performed life-saving first aid. Every medical professional who has supported the victim has made it clear that the man would have died without the prompt actions of these officers.”
PC Bullas said she was “extremely grateful” for the commendation, but added that the best recognition she received was a thank you from Mr Raistrick when she visited him in hospital.
“That was all I wanted, to see that what I did made a difference to this man’s life,” she said.
PC Bullas, who described the scene as “horrific”, added: “The paramedic said I’d acted above and beyond the call of duty but to me, I genuinely was doing my job. All I was thinking is I’ve got to try to save this man’s life and I started to take action.”
Mr Raistrick was given emergency surgery and placed in a medically induced coma, and is still receiving treatment in hospital.
Neil Bowles, Chairman of South Yorkshire Police Federation, said: “We are very proud of these officers and their work. This shows the true essence of policing, fantastic bravery and serving the public.”