Advertisement

'We're only human': Police officer's tragic post after watching girl, 3, die


A policewoman shared a poignant response to those who criticise officers for taking coffee breaks, revealing they needed time to deal with the blow of having just watched a three-year-old girl die.

Police Constable Jade Hunter revealed she was one of six first officers who responded to a call to help the toddler suffering from cardiac arrest.

In the lengthy account on Twitter she wrote about watching as paramedics tried to save the three-year-old girl’s life, but there was nothing they could do. Constable Hunter and her colleagues watched helplessly as the small child died.

Officer Jade Hunter hit back at critics who slammed police for taking coffee breaks, revealing they needed time out after watching a three-year-old girl die. Source: PC Jade Hunter / Twitter
Officer Jade Hunter hit back at critics who slammed police for taking coffee breaks, revealing they needed time out after watching a three-year-old girl die. Source: PC Jade Hunter / Twitter

She later wrote about the tragedy on Twitter, urging the community who were quick to judge police to keep an open mind if they spotted them taking a break.

“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, said there was a misconception about the job being just about catching criminals, but it was far more involved.

“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 5 or 10 minutes to gather our thoughts.”

She added that sometimes officers need a break after dealing with tricky incidents, so they can get reset and return to dealing with the next situation that arises.

“We’re only human too. Please don’t penalise us for having feelings.”

Constable Hunter’s tweet received a groundswell of support from many on social media who responded saying they appreciated the “courage” police show while dealing with heartbreaking situations.