Laser speed training has never been so exciting.
Constable Peyton Fields, who graduated with Wing 392 in February, was out on the road at Ocean View at the start of her fourth week in the job, receiving training under the expert tutelage of Road Policing Senior Constable Andy Camp.
Peyton had already got off to a flyer in Southern District, working with a Beat team, covering within a PST unit, making two key arrests and issuing more than a few infringement notices.
Taking the time to hone some new skills out on the road was just another step in her first exciting month on the job. But things were about to escalate.
A tourist came running down the road towards them from the freedom camping park just down the road.
A man had been found, collapsed in the carpark. Andy and Peyton rushed to help. Thankfully, another tourist, who just so happened to be a first responder in Germany, was on the scene helping the patient.
As Peyton and Andy arrived the man lost consciousness and stopped breathing. Peyton immediately reacted, administering CPR, alternating turns at giving compressions with the German medic.
While this was happening, Andy quickly brought out the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) from his patrol vehicle. Green Island Community Constable Mark Tuten had also arrived at the scene and worked with Andy to deploy the AED, as Andy continued to provide sitreps to comms and the DCC.
Following the AED shock, Peyton continued CPR until ambulance staff arrived to take over. They found a pulse, then intubated, sedated and stabilised the patient before taking off for the hospital.
DCC Coordinator Senior Sergeant Adelle Williams monitored the job closely as it was happening and was able to debrief with Peyton and Andy back at Dunedin Station immediately afterwards. Adelle was more than impressed by the team’s efforts.
“Thanks to their quick, coordinated response, they have undoubtedly contributed to this man regaining a pulse and ultimately surviving.
“Their work demonstrated professionalism, swift decision-making and high-quality first responder care which led to a life‑saving outcome. This was made all the more impressive when you consider that Peyton is less than a month into the job. It shows we’re recruiting well!”
So, after an action-packed, life-saving first three weeks in the job, where does Peyton see her future with Police going?
“Hopefully CIB, but I’d also really like to have a crack at AOS.”
Watch this space.