Just to be clear though, I'm not defending the cop completely. I think he acted like a complete prick in terms of his manners and attitude.

But ultimately the only thing he did wrong was his attitude and delay once it had been established that the woman was indeed dying.

The stopping of the vehicle, the demand for insurance and ID and even the issuing of the ticket are all actions required by the cop according to his job description.

Ultimately it was the several minute delay after a nurse had verified the truth and severity of the situation and the cops continued surly knobish manner that deserve scrutiny.

The rest of the actions were all completely justified and indeed demanded of the cop in that situation.

I personally would not rest so easy knowing that any potential criminals could get away from police providing they drove to the nearest hospital and cried 'Someone is dying!' whereapon the police must let them go immediately without establishing the truth of their claims.

I also think people in every career path make mistakes and act poorly but that cops are in the firing line the most and in more ways than most.

Aside from being the England goalkeeper or manager I can't think of many more thankless tasks to have to undertake.