Train Manager’s Intuition Saves Lives at Cardiff Station
Cardiff train manager, Lydia Shephard, has demonstrated remarkable vigilance and compassion in her role at Transport for Wales. Over the past year, Lydia has intervened on three separate occasions to assist distressed passengers, potentially preventing critical incidents on the railway lines.
In her role, Lydia encounters various scenarios daily, but there are moments when her instincts urge her to take action. One such instance involved a woman who appeared deeply upset after bidding farewell to someone on a train. Lydia emphasised the importance of recognising and providing support to individuals who may be struggling, especially in proximity to railway tracks.
Lydia recalled, “On two of those occasions it was fairly obvious they were in a lot of distress but on the third it was very much that something didn’t seem right.” The situation that caught her attention was when a lady, who had just seen someone off on a train, was standing at the platform edge in tears. Sensing that the woman’s distress ran deeper than mere sadness, Lydia swiftly intervened before a fast train was due to arrive.
Her quick thinking led her to request a line block and contact the British Transport Police for assistance. By taking decisive action, Lydia potentially averted a dangerous situation and ensured the woman received the help she needed. Another incident where Lydia intervened involved a customer who had ventured onto the railway lines, prompting Lydia to engage the individual until further assistance arrived.
According to Lydia, remaining calm and offering reassurance are crucial in such scenarios. She emphasised, “The biggest thing is to keep calm and reassure them that they aren’t in trouble even if they hear sirens.” By providing a supportive presence and initiating conversations, Lydia believes it can disrupt negative thought patterns and offer a lifeline to those in distress.
Transport for Wales actively supports campaigns by Samaritans, such as Brew Monday and Small Talk Saves Lives, aiming to promote conversation and awareness in public settings like railway stations. Through collaborative efforts with Samaritans, Lydia and her colleagues undergo training to effectively respond to individuals in crisis.
Bethan Hodges from Samaritans highlighted the significance of offering ongoing support to individuals struggling with mental health issues. She commended the staff at Transport for Wales for their dedication and credited them with potentially saving lives through their interventions.
Lydia’s actions underscore the vital role that transport personnel play in safeguarding the well-being of passengers beyond ensuring their physical safety. By fostering a culture of awareness and support, individuals like Lydia contribute to creating a safer environment for all commuters.
In conclusion, Lydia Shephard’s unwavering commitment to passenger safety and well-being serves as a testament to the impact a compassionate and vigilant individual can have in potentially preventing harmful incidents. Her intervention on multiple occasions highlights the importance of recognising signs of distress and offering timely assistance to those in need, ultimately embodying the ethos of community care and support within the transportation sector.