Bravery Awards: Life-saving cop wins Sandwell award after rescuing two women trapped under car

16 January 2024

A police constable who saved the lives of two elderly women who were trapped underneath a car has received a West Midlands Police Federation Bravery Award.

Glenn, 42 says he will be accepting this award on behalf of all of his colleagues after he recalls the moment he managed to squeeze under a car that had accidentally reversed into two women, trapping them.

The father-of-two who has been a police officer for 17 years said that upon arriving at the incident, which took place earlier this year, he ‘did not know if the two women were alive’.

“We arrived and saw that two women were trapped underneath a car that had reversed,” said Glenn.

“The ladies weren’t responding and at first, we didn’t even know if they were alive. In fact, the first resorts we’d had were that they were both dead.

“I knew I had to get under the car as quickly but safely as possible.”

Having carefully manoeuvred himself underneath the car Glenn said that he quickly realised that only one of the women was responding.

“My priority was reassuring them, talking to them and letting them both know that they were safe,” said Glenn, who told how he had to continuously ‘switch’ between talking to the women underneath the car and liaising with his colleague who was looking after the driver.

“I had to make sure the women didn’t realise how serious it was. All I could think about was my wife’s nans - who were of a similar age - and what they would want to hear.

“And at the same time, I was aware there was a car over all three of us that I couldn’t disturb.”

Glenn explained how the car was blocked on three sides, making it difficult to move the women to safety.

“I managed to remove one of the women OK but the second lady just would not respond to begin with, until she started to express the pain she was feeling,” he recalled.

Eventually, Glenn managed to remove the woman from underneath the car by which time a team from both the ambulance and fire service had arrived on site.

He explained how his colleagues had closed off the road, while a team from the fire service had set up a ‘safe patient area’ where the two women were able to be initially assessed and made as stable as possible.

The pair were then taken to hospital via ambulance where they were reported to be in a stable but critical condition. They have since been discharged from hospital and are recovering.

“At their age to survive, is incredible really. The injuries they received were pretty horrific. I was extremely worried about them both.”

Glenn said that he while he ‘massive appreciates the award’ he will be accepting it on behalf of everyone who helped co-ordinate the two women to safety that day.

“I feel like I’ve got a bit of imposter syndrome,” he added.

“This award isn’t just for me, it’s for everyone who attended the incident that day.”

The West Midlands Police Federation Bravery Awards will take place on take place on Wednesday 31 January, when Glenn will receive his Sandwell area award, which is sponsored by Metfriendly.

The event is sponsored by Slater & Gordon Solicitors and will be held at Tally Ho Conferencing and Banqueting Centre in Edgbaston.

Glenn was nominated for his 'exceptional bravery' by Temporary Police Sergeant Gareth Johnson who said: “Despite the difficulties, Glenn and the other officers remained composed and dedicated to administering medical care until the arrival of the first ambulance.

“Glenn’s exceptional work and quick response ensured the patients received the necessary care they needed.

“I want to express my sincere appreciation for Glenn's exceptional bravery in particular. His actions undoubtedly made a significant difference in saving the lives of the injured individuals and reflect the highest standards of our department.”

There are a total of seven awards based on the geographical area of the Force - Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton.

One of the seven winners will go forward as West Midlands Police Federation’s nomination at the National Bravery Awards in London in July.

An eighth award, the Sam Hughes ‘Inspiration in Policing’ Award, will recognise an officer who has been an inspiration to or assisted others in the face of personal adversity.

The award is named after West Midlands Police Federation deputy chair Sam Hughes, who died last year aged 53.