Darren Ward

Said the following about Davinder Shanker - **HAS LEFT**:

“In June 2016 East Midlands Trains Driver Davinder Shanker of Derby depot was working an empty stock movement between Derby and Sheffield. On exiting a tunnel he became aware of what looked like a trespasser on the line side. As the train slowed it was obvious that this person was trying to end his life. Having stopped the train the individual moved to the adjacent embankment and it became apparent that he was now attempting hang himself. Summoning the assistance of a travelling Bombardier technician (Iain Vickers) the pair of them had to assist individual down and kept him safe and calm until the police arrived. There is no doubt that had Davinder and Ian not intervened, and proactively managed the situation, the individual would have successfully taken his own life. This is one of the most extreme interventions that I have been involved with in 30 years, and is a credit to Davinder and Ian for acting so instinctively and effectively in a highly stressed scenario. Nothing would please me more than seeing the pair receive the recognition they deserve at this year’s Railstaff awards.

...but don't take my word for it. Below is an extract from an email between BTP Chief Superintendent Allan Gregory and EMT Jake Kelly on the subject.

“Some excellent work by your staff and a member of on-board Bombardier crew became apparent to me just prior to me leaving my former role in Midland Sub-Division. I wanted to share it with you belatedly. Colleagues involved were:

Davinder SHANKER - EMT

Derby Train Crew depot

Iain VICKERS - Bombardier

Whilst my team are looking at recommending some formal recognition, I wanted to share with you their joint actions, which have all the hallmarks of a life-saving intervention.

Circumstances are that at around 0635 hours that day, Davinder was the driver of an empty stock movement, on which Iain was also travelling. As that service passed through a tunnell and emerged into daylight, slowing on a restricted signal, a male was seen on the running line. Davinder made an emergency brake application and several horn soundings, at which point the male moved, narrowly avoiding an impact. The service came to a halt alongside this male and Davinder noticed that he was trying to harm himself

Davinder made Iain aware, and both made their way to the male where Iain was then intervene and assist him. At this point the male was barely breathing. He was placed in the recovery position and recovered after a short time.

Officers arrived a short time later and the male was safely secured and taken to hospital. The actions and quick thinking of Davinder and Iain were undoubtedly life-saving. They were under no obligation to leave the safety of the train to go to him and also in placing the male in the recovery position, undoubtedly saving the male’s life, then keeping him talking until police arrived.

Can I pass my sincere thanks through your management team to both of them for their quick thinking and their responsiveness in these upsetting circumstances? The male is receiving the care and attention he needs at a local mental health unit.

Kind regards

Allan Gregory

Chief Superintendent

Divisional Commander, C Division“

Amanda Rodgers

Said the following about Davinder Shanker - **HAS LEFT**:

“Davinder is a wonderful colleague/Driver. Always make me smile whenever at work. He always has time for others. Always helpful“

Michael Hughes

Said the following about Davinder Shanker - **HAS LEFT**:

“A truly amazing thing to do under the circumstances“