Many of us can only imagine with it is like to be a police officer, having to deal with the horrific and utterly distressing scenes they’re exposed to on a daily basis.
The thought of watching a child die or having to deliver the devastating news to a parent, is chilling in itself.
They are, of course, only human, so there’s no doubt what they have witnessed would have an impact on their physical, mental and emotional well being.
Now a UK policewoman’s harrowing tweet has provided a glimpse into a night on the force.
Police Constable Jade Hunter described being one of six first officers who responded to a call to help the toddler suffering from cardiac arrest.
The girl, who was just three-years-old, did not make it.
And while the news of the young girl’s death is shattering enough, Jade’s description reflected a sense of helplessness as she and her colleagues stood by watching paramedics attempt to save the girl’s life.
“Last night myself and five colleagues attended a report of a three-year-old female in a cardiac arrest,” she wrote.
“Ambulance were already on scene and I cannot praise them enough for their amazing efforts and professionalism at such a difficult time.
“Unfortunately she didn’t make it and my heart and deepest sympathies go out to her family and friends.”
“Jobs like this are especially difficult to deal with, I cannot imagine the pain her parents and siblings are going through now.”
The officer, who works for West Yorkshire Police in England, went on to discuss the misconception surrounding the job as a police officer; that it merely involves “catching criminals” and sitting around in cars drinking coffee.
“Next time you pull up at a local coffee shop or fast food restaurant and see a couple of police cars, please don’t post on social media that we’re ‘skiving’ or having a tea break. You never know what kind of situation we have just attended and dealt with, sometimes we need five or 10 minutes to gather our thoughts.”
And she concluded with the most powerful message of all, urging the public to remember that an officer’s badge does not mean they’re desensitised.
“We’re only human too. Please don’t penalise us for having feelings.”
Constable Hunter’s tweet received an avalanche of support, with several responding to saying they appreciate the “courage” police show while dealing with such heartbreaking situations.
Top Comments
My cousin is a police officer- he has only been on the job a short while but I feel for the things he will see and have to do on this job. It’s so much more than what tv dramas promote. I know my aunt is constantly worrying that something bad will happen to him on the job- that by him protecting the community, his own safety isn’t a concern. But he always wanted to do this job. My thoughts go out to all emergency services that deal with this all day, every day. And of course That poor baby and her poor family.
I have the utmost respect and gratitude for our Police, Firies, Armed Forces and Paramedics, as they do a thankless job, see people at their worst, more often than not are delivering the most heart-breaking of messages, and all this while being insulted, assaulted and vilified. Next time you want to insult a police officer just remember that they are only doing their job, that they are usually missing out on time with their families, especially at this time of year, and while you are safely at home in your bed, the are putting their lives on the line, and maybe they won't get to go home, ever again.