Pattani Hemang

Said the following about Robert Kaul:

“I would like to nominate Robert Kaul, Jacobs Operation Manager, for the nomination for RailStaff Samaritans Lifesaver award 2019, I see Rob as a well-deserved candidate to receive the recognition within the industry for the modest act displayed towards a culture of caring for a complete stranger, and making a difference to that person’s life on that particular day.

Robert prevented a member of the public from attempting to complete suicide, by means of jumping off Tower Bridge in London by restraining, reassuring and calling for the appropriate emergency help needed, whist taking control of a very stressful and upsetting situation.

Whilst walking across Tower Bridge on his way work to the Jacobs office, Robert observed a young woman climbing onto the ramparts. At first glance, he thought she was trying to get into a better position to take a photo but quickly realized that her intentions were to jump. He acted instinctively and managed to grab her and physically restrain her, pulling her down onto the bridge pavement. She couldn’t understand why Robert had stopped her and kept telling him to leave her alone, saying that ‘he didn’t understand’, ‘this was her only option’ and ‘nobody would care’. Robert tried to reassure her that this was not the best option, that things would be better and that he did care! Other members of the public stopped to help after she calmed down. Whilst Robert helped to console her, he told another member of the public to call the emergency services (Police/Ambulance for help. The police and ambulance services duly came and at this time, after providing his contact details, he made his way to the office to start the working day as normal. Robert doesn’t know, and will probably never know, what happened to the young woman, but truly hopes that she received the support she needed and is recovering.

It takes courage to act instinctively and intervene, to not walk by and to care enough to take direct action. Especially at a busy location like Tower Bridge with hundreds of pedestrians, it’s easy to walk by thinking someone else will intervene or not be observant enough to realise that someone is suicidal and are in imminent danger. Furthermore, Roberts leadership knowledge and ability assisted him in consoling the woman, this is not only difficult as it does not come naturally to him, but at that point it’s imperative that you use the right words, provide support and show you care. Not being able to do any one of these could make the situation worse, but Robert instinctively and effectively calmed down the individual and made her realise that there are people who do care for her and there are other ways to make things better.

Robert shared his experience through the Company’s Safety Observation Report such that every employee globally would be made aware of his experience to demonstrate that we can all make a difference and that if you have the opportunity you can help someone and even save their life. Even the smallest act can help, showing you care and asking the simple question “are you okay?" can stimulate conversation and save a life.

This also highlights the importance of mental health, being aware of your surroundings and taking notice of changes in behaviour of colleagues and loved ones. As Robert demonstrated it’s vital that we all talk about issues bothering us especially if it’s affecting our mental health. Equally if we someone's mental health deteriorating, we should talk to them as well as bring seek help for them.

At Jacobs we now have over 1000 trained positive mental health champions across the world and its Roberts story which has reinforced their importance and highlighted first hand the detrimental affect poor mental health can have.“