Montgomery County police Officer David Cohen recently received his second Lifesaving Award for his role in saving a woman who struck a utility pole after suffering a heart attack. Cohen received his first Lifesaving Award, the second-most-prestigious award given by the department, in 2005. Cohen, who grew up in Rockville and graduated from Georgetown Day School in 1997, graduated from the Montgomery County Police Academy in July 2003 and has worked in Bethesda since.
Why did you become a police officer?
I always say it’s the 4-year-old dream that never went away. I have wanted to be a police officer since I was a kid.
Had you ever experienced an accident like the one you responded to in August?
I have worked in Bethesda for five years, and most crashes are fender-benders on the Rockville Pike during rush hour. Pulling up on the scene, you are not expecting to see a collision or life-threatening situation. The woman had a heart attack and lost consciousness and then crashed. She is 72, and a U.S. Navy medical student, John Jackson, witnessed the crash, pulled her out of the car and started CPR.
What prepared you for the call?
I have been an EMT since 1995, so countless calls and training kicked in. I also teach police recruits and seasoned police officers life-saving techniques in a program called First Responder. The program includes instruction in advanced first aid, CPR and patient assessment.
Have you spoken with the woman since the accident?
I spoke with her in the hospital once and to her son several times. She was released home and will undergo another surgery this month, but her son said she is doing well.
What did you learn from the experience?
I do think this shows that it’s important for people to learn CPR. The medical student who performed CPR on the woman just happened to witness the crash. CPR is an easy skill and isn’t time-consuming to learn. I know some high schools are starting to teach CPR in their curriculum. I think every school should.
