Quick-thinking police officers have been praised for saving the life of a man who fell into the River Trent.
PC James Patterson swam out to rescue the man as he slipped into unconsciousness while struggling in the water near Trent Bridge.
The officer had been working at the City Ground as Forest hosted Sheffield Wednesday when a call came in saying someone had fallen into the river.
Along with PC Paul Easter he left the stadium and rushed to the river, where both saw the man desperately waving his arms.
Luckily both men are experienced members of the Nottinghamshire Police Underwater Search Unit.
Their quick thinking and determination has been praised as PC Patterson stripped off his uniform while PC Easter prepared a 40m throw line which he attached to a life ring.
PC Patterson reached the man with only two metres of rope left and was pulled back to the riverbank with the unconscious man by PC Easter and two other officers.
The group performed CPR for four minutes and after finding the man’s pulse paramedics arrived to stabilise him further and take him to QMC.
PC Patterson said: “Ever since I joined the police I have listened to similar incidents and imagined what I would do in a similar scenario, having been on the underwater search unit I have played this exact scene out in my mind and how I would react to it.
“The moment I started taking my clothes off to enter the water it became real but adrenaline kicked in and I just went in to auto pilot.
“When I was told that the male was now breathing again I had an overwhelming emotion of achievement that I can’t really explain.
“There are some things you train for thinking you will never get to put into action, to get that opportunity and to save a life as a result has given me one of those rare moments where you actually look in the mirror and think ‘well done you’.”
Sergeant Julian Smedley has now recommended the four officers for an award or commendation.
He said: “This was an exemplary piece of work by all officers.
“They all upheld the finest traditions of the British Police Service and have my wholehearted admiration.
“I am very proud to be part of an organisation which has officers of this calibre in its ranks, working to keep the public safe from harm without thought for themselves.”
