The RailStaff Awards 2024

Nominations for Samaritans Lifesaver Award

James Kenealey

Said the following about Iman Masoud:

“Iman Masoud is part of Vital’s LNE & East Midlands Trespass and Vandalism Patrol teams. This is a specialist team of Track Patrollers that are being trialled across the LNE & EM infrastructure aimed at helping Network Rail monitor the route for any vandalism, trespassers or suspicious behaviours that may interfere with the running of the line. The Vital teams work alongside the Samaritans, the British Transport Police, the Train Operating Companies and Network Rail MOMs, Signal Boxes and Station Staff.

The trial was started on 22 February 2017 and there have been a number of successful approaches to halt trespassing, vandalism and interventions of vulnerable people trackside.

On 31 July 2017, Iman was on a morning patrol and received the initial call from West Hampstead reporting a severely distressed girl on Platform 2 of New Southgate Station train station. The lady was not getting on any trains and there was cause for concern from the NWR Station Staff as she was highly emotional and crying. After receiving the call Iman was on site within 5 minutes. He told control to give him some time to assess the situation and asked them to keep the line temporarily blocked as she was on the platform edge. He approached the female and spoke with her at length to try and gain her trust. She had a young baby and was in an abusive relationship, telling Iman she “couldn’t take it anymore.” After over 30 mins he managed to talk her round and took her to a place of safety.

While Iman was engaging with the vulnerable female his partner within the Vital team was instructing the British Transport Police of the situation and calling them for assistance. When they arrived, they took control of the situation and placed her in their van until an ambulance arrived. Iman's actions were admirable, showing patience, understanding and calmness under pressure to result in the young lady being led to safety and preventing a potentially tragic situation.“