The RailStaff Awards 2024

Nominations for Samaritans Lifesaver Award

Anthony Warne

Said the following about Paul Whittaker and Russell Chapple:

“While on patrol at a Station Paul & Russell were informed by Station Staff of a teenage male that had just left the Station in a very distraught state after telling all the Staff that he wanted to kill himself while standing on the footbridge with in the Station. The male had left the Station as Station staff approached him.

Paul & Russell decided to complete an area search for the male on the off chance he was in the area still.

After a short while they spotted the male nearby and began talking to him, he didn't hesitate in telling them that he was intent on taking his own life today and made it very clear how he wanted to do it by listing off a number of Stations that he was thinking of going to. While they were talking with the male they made a call to the police for assistance.

While waiting for the police to arrive the male made a run for the main road into oncoming traffic. Paul & Russell managed to stop the male and pulled him back to the safety of the pavement, at this point he become very aggressive and made several attempts to get away by trying to kick out and even bite them both.

The Ambulance arrived and they assisted the paramedics in getting the male into the ambulance where they began to try and assess him but continued to lash out.

The Police arrived and further restrained the male so the paramedics could complete their assessment.

It was decided that the male needed to be taken for further assessment, Paul and Russell assisted in conveying the male with the police in the back of the Ambulance.“