Well-deserved recognition for acting in the very best traditions of the police service

One of our officers has been recognised by the Royal Humane Society for her off-duty efforts to save a man’s life.

PC Suzannah Nellis was in a car in the Ryedale area in July 2023 when she spotted a man lying seriously injured on the verge following a collision.

Suzannah stopped and identified herself as a police officer. Other people present were contacting the ambulance, so she immediately used her first aid skills to assess the casualty.

She began CPR, and after five minutes, started a rotation with another member of the public also trained in CPR. Two off-duty doctors also stopped to assist, and the group continued CPR until the air ambulance arrived.

Maintaining her professionalism throughout, Suzannah also checked on others involved in the collision, asked a friend to help with traffic management, and made sure to preserve evidence and secure the scene.

Tragically, the man did not survive his injuries – but on that day, PC Nellis, who is based in York, acted in the very best traditions of the police service, and is a credit to North Yorkshire Police.

Suzannah’s name was put forward to the Royal Humane Society, and at a ceremony held at North Yorkshire Police Headquarters in Northallerton earlier this year, she received a Certificate of Commendation.

It was presented to her by Countess Charlotte Peel, the Deputy Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, and Deputy Chief Constable Scott Bisset of North Yorkshire Police.