Woman believed to be frozen to death in car turns out to be CPR mannequin

Advertisement Woman believed to be frozen to death in car turns out to be CPR mannequin Hudson, N.Y. police officer attempts rescue after report of a person seen as unresponsive Share Shares Copy Link Copy

A quick-acting police officer broke a car window in an attempt to save the life of a woman believed to be frozen to death. But it turned out that she was actually a CPR mannequin. About 8:30 a.m. Friday morning, Hudson, New York, police received a call from a "very upset citizen" who said an older woman was alone in a parked car and appeared to be frozen to death. The woman was in the front passenger's seat with what appeared to be an oxygen mask on. Temperatures were bitterly cold Friday morning -- only about 8 degrees -- and the car was covered with a light dusting of snow, indicating it may have been parked overnight. An officer said the woman was not moving and was unresponsive. He broke the rear passenger window and opened the car door. The sergeant discovered the woman was actually a very realistic, life-sized CPR mannequin. The car's owner eventually arrived at the scene and told police he was a sales manager for a company that makes medical training equipment. Police said the mannequin was extremely detailed and was dressed in convincing clothing and glasses, with teeth, shoes and skin blemishes. The owner told police he travels with the mannequin and therefore seat belted it in. “It is my understanding that the owner was incredulous that we took action in this matter," Chief L. Edward Moore said. "He apparently was quite vocal and vulgar to my Sergeant. Just to clear the record, all citizens of Hudson should be put on notice that if you park your locked vehicle on the street on a sub-zero night with a life size realistic mannequin seated in it… we will break your window. I commend everyone who responded with the intentions to help an elderly woman.” Investigators said no charges would be filed.