Brave London Ambulance Service paramedic honoured by police

A London Ambulance Service paramedic who jumped onto Tube tracks to help restrain a violent passenger armed with a weapon has been awarded a police commendation for his bravery.

Dean Hawkins was the first paramedic to arrive at Sudbury Hill Tube station after a man tried to stab a Tube worker last year.

When he arrived the Tube worker and an off-duty British Transport Police officer were on the tracks trying to restrain the attacker.

Dean said: “I arrived to find smashed glass in the station and then from the top of the bridge I saw a man being pinned down on the tracks.

“The track wasn’t live and the trains had been stopped but the man was thrashing around and was very, very strong. The others were exhausted trying to hold onto him and so relieved when I came to help.”

Officers from British Transport Police arrived shortly after and arrested the man. They handcuffed him so Dean was able to safely assess him and treat him.

The BTP colleagues were so impressed by Dean’s bravery they immediately nominated him for a Chief Constable’s Commendation – awards which are usually reserved for police officers.

Sergeant Will Leyshon said: “Dean’s actions were incredible that day. He acted to save life by restraining a dangerous man armed with a weapon.

“And while the rail he was on was safe, they were in close proximity to the electrified third rail and running lines.

“It was a great pleasure for my colleagues and me to nominate Dean for this award which is one of the highest honours the police can award.”

Dean added: “I’m very proud to be honoured for doing my job. Sometimes we do encounter danger but it doesn’t put me off the job.

“I have made lifelong friends and it’s a privilege to be a paramedic and to be there for people when they need us the most.”

London Ambulance Service is recruiting: you can find out more about exciting career opportunities with the Service here.