Published: 6 July, 2012
By GEORGE LINDSAY-WATSON

A POLICEMAN'S quick thinking when a man collapsed in Holloway has been recognised with a national award.

Sergeant Mick Jackson’s fast reactions saved a man’s life after his heart stopped twice in Holloway Road in July, 2010.

He was presented with a Royal Humane Society award for his actions at an awards ceremony at British Medical Association House, Tavistock Square, on Friday.

Sgt Jackson, 47, said: “It was really nice to be recognised for something worthwhile, I’m really chuffed.”

The British Transport Police (BTP) officer was leaving Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court when the 51-year-old man collapsed in front of him.

Sgt Jackson reacted immediately, placing him in the recovery position, but the man became unconscious and stopped breathing.

He said: “I saw him drop in front of me, I didn’t have time to  think really. I just threw my phone to someone to call the ambulance and got to work on him. We were told later that he died twice and we got him back twice.

"You just go into overdrive, remember your training. You’re just on autopilot mode, really.”

Waiting for the ambulance to arrive, Sgt Jackson administered CPR for over seven minutes before the man was rushed to hospital.

He was later told by ambulance staff that his quick thinking and first aid had almost certainly saved the man’s life.

At the ceremony, the officer, based at BTP’s Wembley Park police station, was commended for his fast and efficient actions.