A quick-thinking Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) from the Saddleworth Neighbourhood Policing Team has been nominated for a Greater Manchester Police award after his decisive actions on patrol 'undoubtedly saved a life' in Oldham.

PCSO Lowther was on routine patrol in the Saddleworth area, a rural part of the Oldham borough, when he came across a vehicle. After trying to alert the occupant and receiving no response, he checked the vehicle and found a man in medical distress. Without delay, he alerted GMP control and provided first aid, helping the man regain consciousness before emergency services arrived.

Sergeant Ryan Orme of the Oldham Response Unit praised PCSO Lowther's response: "PCSO Lowther immediately activated his emergency button to alert our comms and provided running updates. He swiftly intervened to preserve the man's life and he quickly regained consciousness. Showing quick thinking and sound judgement, PCSO Lowther removed the vehicle keys from the ignition and continued to engage with the male. Officers attended shortly afterwards and the man was safely transported to Royal Oldham Hospital for further care. PCSO Lowther's actions throughout this incident were highly commendable. His professionalism, calm decision-making, and instinctive intervention were directly aligned with the objectives of neighbourhood policing being visible and accessible. His actions undoubtedly saved a life and exemplify the value of being proactive, vigilant, and professionally curious while on patrol."

The man was taken to Royal Oldham Hospital for treatment and later made a full recovery, thanks to PCSO Lowther's swift intervention.

Reflecting on the incident, PCSO Lowther said: "In the days that followed the incident, I found myself reflecting on just how quickly an ordinary patrol can turn into a moment that changes someone's life. Working in remote, rural areas like Saddleworth means I often come across situations where help isn't immediately at hand, and that reality hit me more deeply than ever during this incident. I'm proud to serve as a PCSO for Saddleworth North. Proud to work in a community where being present, being vigilant, and being willing to step forward can genuinely make a difference. Rural policing can be challenging and unpredictable, but it's moments like this that remind me why I do this job."

His actions have earned him a nomination for a GMP award, recognising his exceptional service. This case highlights the vital role of neighbourhood policing in Oldham's rural areas, where officers often work without immediate backup. In places like Saddleworth, with its scattered villages and tight-knit communities, such proactive patrols can make a critical difference in emergencies.

Saddleworth, a collection of villages in the Pennines within the Oldham borough, relies heavily on local officers who know the terrain and the people. PCSO Lowther's dedication exemplifies the commitment of neighbourhood policing teams to keeping residents safe, even in challenging conditions. The Oldham community can take pride in having such vigilant and compassionate officers on the beat, ready to step in when needed most.