Donna Illet-Vidhi, Station Controller, c2c 
On May 29 2021, Donna’s abilities as a station controller at Barking station were put to the test when a male collapsed on the concourse.
After raising the alarm and calling emergency services, she immediately took charge of the situation by performing basic life support techniques that she had learned in training many years previously.
With the male unconscious and unresponsive, a decision was made to use a defibrillator. After the pads were placed on the man’s chest, the defibrillator did the rest automatically and made several shocks before indicating that the male had become stable.
All the while that medical treatment was being administered, crowds of onlookers had to be dealt with and moved on.
The ambulance service then arrived and took over management of the patient.
Their feedback was clear that the actions of Donna and her team had undoubtedly saved the man’s life.
Ashley Brown, Driver, LNER
On March 8 2022, while travelling on a train from Newcastle to Edinburgh, Ashley Brown was made aware by the onboard team that a passenger was suffering from breathing difficulties and chest pain.
Ashley offered her services and was soon with the elderly woman, offering comfort and reassurance to her for more than 40 minutes while the train made its way to its destination, where paramedics had been requested to attend.
Onboard team members praised Ashley for staying with the woman during a very worrying time, easing their commitments and ensuring the rest of the passengers were looked after.
Ashley modestly played down the incident and insisted that she “only did what anyone else would”. But this humility was said by LNER to only amplify her values to put others first.
It later transpired that the elderly woman had suffered a heart attack. She has since had a stent fitted and is now making a full recovery. She was extremely keen for Ashley’s efforts to be properly recognised.
Paul Black, Customer Service Assistant, Southern Railway 
When a fatality occurred at Preston Park on April 21 2021, Paul Black found that he was the only member of station staff on duty.
Paul’s immediate reaction was to check on the welfare of those around him, and he rapidly went to the aid of a female passenger who had witnessed the traumatic events on the platform.
She explains: “I was almost entirely alone on the platform and witnessed the sound of what happened as well as the aftermath. I couldn’t breathe or move. All I could do was scream.
“Paul tried his best to console me, calm me down, and ushered me out the station. He was totally amazing, and I don’t know what I’d have done without him to get out of the station safely.”
Paul’s manager also described him as “an exceptional human being” who evacuated the station very quickly while assisting the distressed passenger and awaiting the arrival of emergency services.
She added: “He remained calm and proactive throughout and is a real credit to the Brighton area team.”
Dawn Bennett, Driver, East Midlands Railway
Lincoln-based driver Dawn Bennett was on a routine turn when she brought her train to a stand at a signal protecting Holton le Moor.
After waiting a short while for a proceed aspect, she attempted to contact the signaller via GSM-R, but had no luck.
Concerned for his welfare, Dawn decided to walk up the track to the signal box, where she found the signaller laying on the floor mid-cardiac arrest.
She stayed with the signaller, giving him support and care as best she could, until paramedics arrived to give emergency CPR.
After satisfying herself that she was in a fit mental state to drive, Dawn remarkably then returned to her cab to complete the rest of her shift, without fault.
Although she insisted that she had done nothing special, Dawn’s management team rightly disagreed.
They said: “What she did was above and beyond, and has heavily contributed to the signaller still being with us. He is making steady progress and will hopefully make a full recovery to be able to enjoy his retirement.”
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