Student police officer recognised for performing first aid on a baby
A Dorset Police student officer has been recognised for his efforts in performing lifesaving first aid on an eight-month-old baby.
Police Constable Paulo Abreu joined Dorset Police in January 2026 via the Police Constable Entry Programme (PCEP) entry route and is currently undertaking his classroom-based learning, which includes detailed first aid training delivered by the Force’s trainers.
On 12 March 2026 PC Abreu was on a police study day and went to Kings Park Leisure Centre on his break to meet family. It was there he became aware of an eight-month-old baby girl, who was gagging on a piece of plastic wrapper that was in her mouth.
PC Abreu identified himself to the baby girl’s mother and swiftly took hold of her to check for any noticeable blockages. As the baby continued to be in difficulty, he then carried out a series of back slaps in an attempt to dislodge it.
Thankfully the blockage cleared and the baby started crying. She was taken to hospital by her parents and later that day PC Abreu received an update that she was OK.
PC Abreu said: “I was taught first aid when I was a special constable but had completed my two-day police officer first aid training course the previous week when this incident happened. I remember worrying at the time that I would not be able to perform first aid on a child if it were ever needed, but the training we received was so good that it just kicked in and I didn’t even have to think about what to do.
“Afterwards I just reflected on what had happened and was so pleased to hear from the baby’s mum that she had been given the OK by the hospital.”
The girl’s mother said: “It all happened so fast. I didn’t know what to do and just panicked. Our whole family are so very thankful that PC Abreu was there that day and just took control of the situation.”
PC Abreu first joined Dorset Police in 2021 as a volunteer special constable and then became a dispatch and contact officer working in the Force Command Centre, taking calls from the public and directing officers to incidents, before making the move to become a regular police officer.
He said: “I have always wanted to be a police officer since I was little. I wanted to be that first person at the scene when someone has called for help. I feel proud to be a police officer and helping people when they need us the most.
“I also enjoy the variety policing brings and the excitement of the job.”
Assistant Chief Constable Mark Callaghan said: “I am always excited to meet our new student officers when they arrive and learn about the skills and experience they can bring to Dorset.
“They all undergo rigorous training, including in first aid and I was so proud to hear of PC Abreu’s actions on this day in performing lifesaving first aid on this young baby. What he was able to do on that day is testament to the outstanding first aid training delivered by our trainers.”
We are recruiting for police officers now and welcome candidates from all different backgrounds and experiences.
We are accepting applications to be a police officer via four entry routes and can offer:
- an application buddy to support you
- a relocation package to all transferees
- military experience recognised instead of qualifications
You can find out more here: Dorset New Recruit Police Officers - Working in Partnership.
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