While waiting for a train, off-duty Chief Inspector Michael Parker from our Roads Policing Unit sprung into action to save a man’s life at Salford Crescent train station.
On Friday 6 June 2025, the Chief Inspector’s spotted a man on the floor and quickly realised that the situation was a bit more sinister to him than the normal eye.
Drawing on his policing experience, Mike recognised that he was not breathing. His quick thinking and decisive action to preform CPR on the man proved to be a life-saving intervention.
He administered CPR, alone, for 10 minutes, before the ambulance service arrived at the scene.
After their arrival, Mike continued chest compressions for a further 35 minutes to allow the medical staff to continue with other life-saving treatment.
His sustained action and the longevity of it ensured the man stood best possible chance of survival. When the air ambulance arrived, the attending paramedic confirmed that the man regained a pulse due to Mike’s actions.
The Chief Inspector’s heroics have recently been acknowledged at the force’s Long Service Awards – which aims to highlighting the unwavering commitment and professionalism shown by our officers and staff – even while off duty.
Upon receiving his Chief Constable’s Commendation, Mike said: “Ultimately, I don’t see myself as a hero – I just did what any member of the public would have done, it is just a coincidence I was there at that time as an off-duty police officer.
“When I realised the man wasn’t breathing, there was no question about what needed to be done. I just focused on giving him the best chance of survival possible until further help arrived.
“Every bit of training you have done and the experience you have just kicks in, it didn’t feel like I was doing it for 45 minutes in total, your adrenaline just takes over, but it definitely felt like 45 minutes the morning after.
“I was shocked to hear that he had regained a pulse as I have done CPR several times earlier on in my career and sadly, they have never made it. So, to hear that this man would be able to see his family again, was the most important thing.”
