Recruitment
“Scott and I were carrying out a joint trespass visit to a station when I saw an individual walking up from the Level Crossing between the platforms on the track. I shouted at the gentleman to get off the track as there were trains running at which point, Scott came over and continued to shout and direct the gentleman to the platform ramp while I called control and asked for BTP attendance. Once Scott had escorted him to a place of safety, he quickly realised that the gentleman was in a distressed state and kept him talking whilst I met the BTP officer and explained the situation. Scott also took a call from the Gentleman's friend who had received a 'goodbye' message from him and arranged for her to come and sit with us while we waited for an ambulance. During the whole incident, Scott was extremely professional and compassionate and showed a genuine concern for the gentleman's welfare. I have no doubt that had we not been there that day, it would have been a very different story.“
“Becky Topping from Network Rail and Scott dealt with a difficult and potentially tragic situation while demonstrating a calm and professionalism approach throughout.
Becky and Scott were conducting a site visit to a station in Essex. Whilst at the station, they observed a middle aged gentleman walking along the 4ft via the level crossing. It was evident that the gentleman had the intention to take his own life. Scott managed to persuade the gentleman to make his way back up the platform end, whilst Becky was contacting the signaller/control. They moved the gentleman to a position of safety and stayed with him until a British Transport Police unit arrived.
Having calmed the gentleman down it became evident that he had mental health issues.“
“I want to nominate Scott Paton Performance manager from Abellio greater Anglia. Whilst at a station attending a meeting with Network rail regarding trespass, a suicidal gentleman walked onto the track with the intention of ending his life. Apparently he has attempted this before, Scott acted quickly, and led the gentleman off the track to the platform, the gentleman who had lost his wife and wanted to "join her". As well as leasing with emergency services, Scott both counselled and diffused the situation, acting with empathy while remaining professional. The gentleman was eventually dealt with by emergency services, but without Scott's intervention this could have been another tragedy. He was the right man at the right place at the right time.“
“I wholeheartedly endorse the comments made by the other people who have nominated Scott for this award. Having worked with Scott for a number of months as part of the programme to reduce the number of suicides on the Greater Anglia Region I can confirm that Scott is a dedicated and enthusiastic member of the team and thoroughly deserves this award.
His experience is an excellent illustration that regardless of our role on the railway, everyone can play a part in reducing suicides and helping those in need. Furthermore, it shows that the skills learnt on the Managing Suicidal Contacts Course works and can be put to good use.“
“It was a great night, I can see what all the hype is about!”
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