National Police officers saved a life when a 71-year-old man collapsed from a heart attack while breakfasting with his wife at a café in Alicante. They immediately began life-saving resuscitation and continued chest compressions until medical teams arrived. Their quick action proved essential in keeping him alive. The morning scene was calm, yet underlined the urgency of the moment as responders worked in rhythm, relaying updates to the emergency dispatch center to speed the arrival of help. The episode highlights the critical role of prompt CPR in emergencies and how it buys crucial time until professional care is on the scene.
These events occurred about a month earlier in a café in Alicante’s Zona Norte district. The man remained under hospital care as he continued his recovery. The 091 dispatch center received an urgent morning call reporting a man who suddenly could not breathe.
A nearby plainclothes patrol from the Group Operational Rescue, Norte precinct, arrived within minutes. Approaching the victim, they quickly confirmed there were no detectable signs of breathing or pulse and observed a pale, mottled complexion that underscored how serious the situation was and the need for swift action.
Taking charge of the scene and coordinating with dispatch, they started CPR immediately, keeping chest compressions steady and adjusting as moments of life signs returned. Their composure and clear communication with the arriving ambulance crew ensured a smooth handoff to hospital staff.
Recovery of the Victim
Shortly after, signs of improvement emerged as paramedics took over with advanced care. The man regained a heartbeat and breathing, yet remained in critical condition and was transported to the General Hospital of Alicante, admitted to the Intensive Care Unit for continuous monitoring and specialized treatment. Early statements described a breakfast with his wife when he suddenly collapsed; a café waitress quickly alerted authorities, setting off a rapid, coordinated response. Staff and bystanders recalled a tense moment, but one defined by purposeful, trained action from the responders on site.
Later hospital updates confirmed a serious cardiorespiratory arrest. The swift actions of the responders, together with the CPR performed at the scene, had saved his life and started the path toward recovery in intensive care. Medical staff continued to monitor and support him as his condition gradually stabilized in the hours that followed.
Ongoing Training to Save Lives
Their work extends beyond crime prevention; it embodies a humanitarian commitment to help citizens whenever and wherever needed. To prepare for such moments, responders pursue continuous training throughout their careers, including CPR certification and the use of defibrillators. Ongoing education keeps them ready to act in emergencies and has practical benefits in daily life, boosting readiness and reinforcing public safety through capable, confident responders.
The focus on life-saving training reflects a culture within the service that values practical skills and real-world readiness. After episodes like this café rescue, communities see how trained responders influence outcomes in those first, most dangerous moments after a collapse. Ongoing education keeps officers ready to save lives when every second counts.