Quick-thinking NHS Nightingale door supervisor saves woman from drowning

A quick-thinking door supervisor saved a woman from drowning while working as a security guard at the NHS Nightingale Hospital.

Elizabeth George, of Streatham, was working to manage the east gates to the site beside the Thames on May 15 when she saw a woman who appeared to be distressed standing on the connecting footbridge over the river.

The woman was too far away to communicate with, but Elizabeth saw her throw a bag into the river before she then jumped in after it.

Elizabeth, pictured above, quickly raised the alarm both internally and with the marine police unit, who swiftly responded and saved the woman’s life by pulling her out of the river. Elizabeth said that if she had been taken by the current, the woman would have died.

Elizabeth said of the rescue: “It was part of my every day job – I did what I needed to do to help to save her life.”

Chris Burr, managing director of G4S Events UK, Elizabeth’s manager, said: “Our fantastic senior security supervisor, Elizabeth George, joined G4S in 2007 as a security officer and has quickly progressed to her current role of senior supervisor.

“Her infectious smile, positivity, and humour are an asset to our organisation.

“She brings a wealth of experience and energy to all deployments. Her most recent role with G4S is at the NHS Nightingale at Excel.

“She has been instrumental in the #clap for carers/key workers, and every week arranges the security and stewards to line the steps at the hospital to applaud the shift change over.

“This alone is an excellent example of her true professionalism, as well as her respect and integrity, which are two of our key values.

“G4S is proud to have Elizabeth as part of our team. We believe she should be recognised for her actions across the industry. She is a lifesaver and an everyday #SIAhero.”