After hearing that there was an incident in the crowd at the New Year’s Eve celebrations in Manchester, Showsec Operations Supervisor Emilia Cholko attended the scene.

On arrival, Emilia conducted a rapid risk assessment and determined that a man had stopped breathing. The cold conditions meant his body temperature was already beginning to drop.

Without hesitation, Emilia sprang into action, leading the response and administering CPR until further medical assistance arrived. Thanks to the swift actions of those involved, he survived and was transferred into the care of the emergency services.

When discussing the skills and experience that informed her response, Emilia credited the training provided by Showsec and the first aid training required by the SIA to maintain her licence. She also reflected on a previous incident involving the death of a customer and the determination it gave her to act decisively in future emergencies.

“…that experience stayed with me. I promised myself that if I was ever faced with a similar situation again, I would do everything within my power to achieve a different outcome.

Those experiences also gave me confidence in my abilities. You never truly know how you’ll react under pressure until you’re in that situation.”

Six months later, on International Security Officers’ Day, Emilia was recognised with the Heroic Act in Crisis Award at the inaugural City Security Council’s Frontline Awards. Believing her actions to be part of the job, it wasn’t until she stepped on stage that the reality of her actions struck her.

“Knowing that someone was able to go home to their family, that they still had their dad, brother, uncle or loved one, meant more to me than the award itself. Looking back, I’m incredibly proud of what we achieved that night, and I would do it all again without hesitation.”

For Emilia, the recognition serves as a powerful reminder of the positive impact one person can have in difficult circumstances. Her achievement has been warmly celebrated by everyone who knows her and stands as an inspiration to others.

Congratulations to Emilia on this well-deserved honour. Her actions and unwavering commitment to helping others remind us all to continue living up to the values the Heroic Act in Crisis Award represents every single day.