• DURING my permitted morning run last Saturday, I was presented with the heart-breaking scene of an unfortunate individual being resuscitated by paramedics on the pavement adjacent to Primrose Hill.

These are indeed grim days and this sight will be with me forever. What will also stay with me are two things.

First, a passer-by attempting to video the event, presumably to improve his “likes” on social media; and secondly the reaction of one of the police officers close to the scene.

The officer, on noticing the individual filming, very politely and firmly asked: “what are you doing? If you want to film anyone then film me, not someone dying in the street, what is wrong with you?”

The individual appeared to continue filming, requiring the officer to demand: “come here now!” He grudgingly complied, an exchange ensued, and he left with his tail between his legs.

The actions of this police officer and the emergency services were commendable. The action of the smartphone owner was contemptible.

I sincerely hope that this patient lived to fight another day.

DR GARRY MANCINI
Primrose Hill