Special constable commended for quick thinking and dedication at scene of crash

An special constable has been recognised for her quick-thinking that helped a woman receive urgent medical treatment.

Holly Williams, a first year BSc (Hons) Professional Policing degree student at Wrexham Glyndwr University has received a commendation from North Wales Police after spotting that a woman involved in a road traffic incident was having a stroke.

The 20-year-old, who volunteers as a special constable, was on a shift in West Conwy on November 15 when she was called to the incident.

On arriving at the scene of the one-vehicle accident, she went to check on the woman at the side of the road and noticed the left side of her face was drooping slightly. She told fellow officers, who called for an ambulance.

Holly also spotted that the woman was clutching her left arm and that her body also appeared weak on that side.

In the commendation, Superintendent Jason Devonport said that Holly’s observations helped the ambulance service quickly diagnose a stroke, and that her “lateral thinking and quick judgement may well have saved a lady from serious harm”.

Supt. Devonport added that colleagues told him Holly is a “pleasure” to work and that her volunteering showed “exceptional dedication and commitment” to her area.

Of finding out about the award, Holly said: “I was beyond happy – I wasn’t expecting it to be honest but receiving it was just amazing.

“I remember walking home after I told the night shift with a smile on my face.”

Several Glyndwr students on the Professional Policing course formally became Special Constables in an attestation ceremony held at the university earlier this year.

Holly, who lives near Llandudno, has wanted to be a police officer since primary school and tries to do at least one shift a week.

She said: “It’s just going out and helping people and knowing you can make a difference,”

All new officers will require a degree in policing from next year, and the university course provides students with the practical and academic knowledge they need to prepare for a career in law enforcement.

Holly said: “Doing the degree and serving as a Special helps to give an understanding of what we’re actually being taught and then put it into practice as well – it’s just a massive benefit.”

Andrew Crawford, senior policing lecturer at Wrexham Glyndwr University, said that the commendation an “outstanding” achievement, particularly so early in Holly’s career.

He added: “Holly is someone we’re very proud to have on the course. These commendations are not handed out ten-a-penny, you’ve really got to do something above and beyond what would normally be expected of someone performing the role.”