![California Highway Patrol Officer P. Torres [contributed]](https://www.theavtimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/CHP-officer-P-Torres.jpg)
It happened around 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 8, outside the Walgreens located at 831 East Avenue K in Lancaster. Officer Torres was at the Walgreens as part of the CHiPS for Kids Toy Drive, an effort to collect new, unwrapped toys to be distributed to less fortunate children in the Antelope Valley.
“Officer Torres was informed by Walgreens Manager L. Rodriguez there was an unconscious female inside a parked vehicle in the parking lot,” said CHP Officer Gil Hernandez.
Torres and an off-duty San Bernardino County sheriff’s deputy rushed to the woman’s aid. They found her unresponsive inside the parked vehicle, according to Hernandez.
“The female had no pulse and was not breathing,” Hernandez said. “Officer Torres advised Los Angeles Communication Center (dispatch), requesting Los Angeles County Fire Department to respond.”
“Officer Torres and Deputy Reardon started performing CPR until the female regained breathing and a pulse,” Hernandez added.
Torres and Reardon monitored the woman until the fire department arrived, and she was transported to Antelope Valley Hospital in stable condition, according to Hernandez.
“Officer Torres was out there doing a toy drive, he was not on patrol,” Hernandez said. “His training kicked in and he was able to provide the medical aid that this person needed to stabilize her.”
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Local RN says
I work at a local hospital and while driving home from work saw an accident scene. One of the local cops was diverting traffic. California is an obligation to stop state; I am legally obligated to stop and offer assistance. I pulled up and identified myself as a trained first responder and asked if the scene had been cleared or if anyone was still in the car. This guy immediately started being rude, although I can’t remember specifically what he said. I asked again if there was anyone in the car, which he apparently didn’t like and he gave me a ticket for violating a police barricade. I asked him if he would want someone to stop if it was his family and he accused me of making a threat. I have no doubt that I’ll win the case seeing as though I’m required to stop by law but seriously?
I’ve stopped and performed CPR at a number of accidents and I’ve been involved in probably over one hundred codes in my profession. The thing is, I know a lot of nurses and physicians who have had similar types of experiences and now refuse to stop at accidents. It’s nice that this guy actually did something to help someone; he does seem to be an exception to how law enforcement normally acts, but overall, these people are making the world a far worse place. I really wish I could be petty and small like these LEO guys sometimes. Could you imagine? What if nurses and doctors decided to give half-heated care because you gave us a speeding ticket? What if we decided not to try very hard to save your family and friends? The thing is, in the medical field we hold each other accountable. Even if an individual lacked a conscience, others wouldn’t back them up or support them in being this way. I wish Law Enforcement officers had a similarly structured community of accountability.
Local RN says
I’m sorry, by “this guy” I am not referring to the officer being discussed in the article. Sorry if it sounded misleading. No, seriously! Go dude. It was a good thing you did.
Aaron says
I just saw him the other day, really nice state trooper! Awesome patrolman, awesome hero! I hope the lady who was saved by 2 LEOs recovers quickly as well. Merry X’mas…
troll hunter says
What? No comment from the anti Law Enforcement contingent that reside under the bridges and overpasses in the AV? I guess Officer Torres and Deputy Reardon don’t qualify as “good human beings”…well done Officer Torres and Deputy Reardon.
Jim says
Outstanding work Gentlemen! Wishing a speedy recovery for the young lady.
Thankful says
Saw this as it unfolded! Both men stayed so calm as her mother was panic stricken! They did a great job and hopefully she recovers fully and completely! Merry Christmas to all those who had a hand in this! As a side note if the young woman or her family should read this, please reach for help before it is too late…. Life is just too precious!
Citizen Joe says
Thank you Officer Torres and Deputy Reardon. When tragic things happen, we can always count on our law enforcement to step up and do what is right. All to often we put all law enforcement officers down when one officer does screw up. That does not mean all cops are bad, just a few. Most will in an instant place their lives on the line to protect us, yes even those who have run afoul of the the law in the past, the police will protect you also. God bless our police officers, deputies and firefighters for all they do, and may they all have a safe Christmas.