Two National Police officers were part of a life saving moment that unfolded in Alicante on a Thursday morning inside a local bar in the city’s northern district. A pair of painters — a father and his son — were sharing a meal when one of them suddenly called out for help. He cried that someone was choking and that his companion appeared to be in danger of drowning. Two on-duty police officers who happened to be in the same cafeteria area responded immediately, moving toward the crisis with calm precision.
The man in distress could not draw air. Clear signs showed that his airway was blocked and his breath was failing. Realizing the severity, the officers coordinated with their command room to summon medical teams to the scene while they began to assess the situation and prepare to intervene. The urgency of the moment demanded decisive action, and the officers prepared to perform life saving techniques that could reverse the threat to his life.
One officer administered the Heimlich maneuver, applying the standard technique to expel the obstruction. The tactic immediately opened the airway enough for the man to take a breath, but he still reported a lingering sensation of blockage as the air flowed through. The other officer stayed close to provide support, guiding the movements and ensuring the patient remained stable throughout the process.
Moments after the maneuver began, something dislodged from the throat — a piece of the torrezno that had been lodged there — and cleared the way for air to move freely again. The patient began to breathe more easily and was able to speak without obstruction. Relief spread through the bar as the scene settled into a quieter, more controlled pace, with the two officers continuing to monitor the man for signs of ongoing distress.
After the successful intervention, the rescued man expressed deep gratitude, stating that the officers had saved his life. He left the bar on his own once he could breathe normally and did not require further medical attention, according to the responding officers.
200 years
That Saturday marks the two hundredth anniversary of the National Police. The milestone reflects a long history of service, and the work carried out by this institution over the years is seen not only in professional achievements but also in the human dimension of protecting and assisting citizens whenever needed. The anniversary underscores a commitment to safety, prevention, and crime reduction across communities and throughout the country.
In addition to field duties, ongoing education remains a cornerstone of the police force. Regular participation in cardiopulmonary resuscitation courses and training in the use of defibrillators equips officers with the skills required to act quickly and effectively in emergencies. This readiness is not just professional; it underscores a sense of duty to be prepared to help at any moment, in any place.
Among those who chose to be part of this important day was 57-year-old Jose Vicente, who traveled to the National Police celebration to express his thanks. He hoped that sharing this moments would remind others of the life changing power of trained responders and the value of quick, composed action in critical moments. The grateful visitor emphasized that the two officers who saved him deserved recognition for their lifesaving professionalism and humanity.