Railway worker trained to stop suicides recalls lifesaving intervention

A railway worker, trained to prevent suicides, is raising awareness of his experience ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day on Tuesday.

Vivian Joseph, 44, of Chisholm Road, East Croydon, has worked as a train dispatcher for Southern Rail for nearly two years. 

His role has seen him make lifesaving interventions on more than one occasion.

Mr Joseph said: “Earlier this year, I was on a late shift with my colleague and we were locking and securing a train before it was sent back to the depot. 

“There was a middle-aged woman by herself at the train station who appeared upset and had evidently been drinking a lot of alcohol, making her vulnerable.”

Because of his training, Mr Joseph said he knew to approach the woman and start a conversation to make sure she was okay. 

After speaking with the woman, Mr Joseph said she appeared to have calmed down. But, as he went back to securing the train he saw her move to the edge of the platform before attempting to lower herself down the gap between the train and the platform.

Mr Joseph said: “I was shocked, but knew I had to act quickly. Working on the railway, you learn to be very vigilant.”

Mr Joseph managed to pull the woman to safety with the help of station colleagues. He then alerted the British Transport Police (BTP).

He said: “She told me she didn’t want to live anymore, so I said, ‘we’re going to help you’, and kept chatting to her until the emergency services arrived to take over. 

“It was a frightening situation that quickly escalated and it could have ended very differently if myself and my colleagues weren’t there to help.”

Mr Joseph said he managed to stay calm throughout the situation by remembering the Samaritans lifesaver training he received.

He said: “It’s taught me how to cope in a high-pressure situation and safely intervene is someone is feeling suicidal.

“I learnt that asking a question or simply saying ‘hello’ could help to turn a situation around.

“We shouldn’t be scared to talk to someone who looks like they might be in need of help. 

“A simple action could help to save a life.” 

Mr Joseph said he empathises with the people he has met who are in a vulnerable situation.

He said: “You can see they just feel lost. Whereas we may be able to think clearly, when someone is struggling with personal issues or poor mental health, they lose that ability.”

To take care of his own wellbeing, Mr Joseph says he spends a lot of time with his sons, which helps him stay relaxed and composed”. 

Ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day, the rail operator is encouraging members of the public to look out for one another when travelling. 

If people spot concerning behaviour, they can text the BTP on 6106, or call 999 if it is an emergency.

When life is difficult, Samaritans are here – day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org, or visit samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.

Pictured top: Vivian Joseph at work for Southern Rail  (Picture: Southern Rail)