TWO South Yorkshire police officers have been commended for saving the life of a man who was repeatedly stabbed in a brutal knife attack.<\/p>\n
PC Tracey\u00a0Bullas\u00a0said she was only “doing her job” when she carried out nose-to-mouth CPR on the dying victim, Darren\u00a0Raistrick, in March.<\/p>\n
The knife was still in Mr\u00a0Raistrick’s\u00a0neck when PC\u00a0Bullas\u00a0and her colleague PC Ray Bell arrived at the scene in\u00a0Beighton, following reports of a multiple stabbing.\u00a0<\/p>\n
PC\u00a0Bullas\u00a0decided to remove the blade and carry out CPR \u2013 a move that medics later confirmed had saved his life.<\/p>\n
His attacker, Michael\u00a0Mallinder, 46, of Armstead Road,\u00a0Beighton, 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\u202fMr\u00a0Raistrick\u00a0when PC\u00a0Bullas\u00a0and PC Bell arrived.<\/p>\n
The officers (pictured) have been awarded a commendation by\u202fChief Superintendent\u202fDavid Hartley, District Commander for Sheffield.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
PC\u00a0Bullas\u00a0said she was “extremely grateful” for the commendation, but added that the best recognition she received was a thank you from Mr\u00a0Raistrick\u00a0when she visited him in hospital.<\/p>\n
“That was all I wanted, to see that what I did made a difference to this man’s life,” she said.<\/p>\n
PC\u00a0Bullas, 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.”<\/p>\n
Mr\u00a0Raistrick\u00a0was given emergency surgery and placed in a medically induced coma, and is still receiving treatment in hospital.<\/p>\n
Neil Bowles, Chairman of South Yorkshire Police Federation, said: \u201cWe are very proud of these officers and their work. This shows the true essence of policing, fantastic bravery and serving the public.\u201d<\/p>\n