Security guard at the London NHS Nightingale Hospital saves a woman from drowning

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

Elizabeth George, of Streatham, is a Security Industry Authority (SIA) licensed door supervisor.  She is being featured in the SIA's #SIAHeroes campaign. The campaign highlights the efforts security operatives are making to serve their communities across the UK during the COVID-19 crisis.

The NHS Nightingale Hospital opened in early April at London's ExCel Exhibition Centre, and Elizabeth had been working to manage the east entrance and the gates to the site. Her employer got in touch with the SIA to share her story.

On the morning of 15 May, Elizabeth was on patrol alongside the river and saw a woman who appeared to be distressed standing on the connecting footbridge over the Thames. The woman was too far away to engage with, but Elizabeth saw her throw a bag into the fast-flowing river before she then jumped in after it. Elizabeth 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 everyday job - I did what I needed to do to help to save her life."

Chris Burr, Managing Director, 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." 

There are over 400,000 licensed security operatives in the UK and like Elizabeth, many continue to work as critical workers and keyworkers, guarding hospitals, sheltered accommodation, supporting social distancing in supermarkets and other essential operations.

Ian Todd, Security Industry Authority Chief Executive, said:

"Security operatives and security businesses have risen to the COVID-19 challenge with responsiveness and resilience with a focus on serving their communities. Many are continuing to work as critical and key workers during the lockdown. 

We want to recognise the industry's dedication and commitment through the #SIAHeroes campaign. We're sharing inspiring stories of security operatives who are keeping the public safe and secure at this critical time."  

The SIA is promoting the industry's dedication and commitment through the #SIAHeroes campaign. It is sharing inspiring stories of security operatives who are keeping the public safe and secure at this critical time.

Read all of our #SIAHeroes stories online here.                                     - Ends -

 Notes to Editors:

•  For an interview with Elizabeth George, please contact the SIA press office: media.enquiries@sia.gov.uk   
  

• The SIA has been running #SIAHeroes for the last year, and during COVID-19 is seeking to raise the profile of the contribution that the front line private security industry are making in response to this crisis.     

• Read similar, previous storiesonline here.

Further information:

The Security Industry Authority is the organisation responsible for regulating the private security industry in the United Kingdom, reporting to the Home Secretary under the terms of the Private Security Industry Act 2001. The SIA's main duties are: the compulsory licensing of individuals undertaking designated activities; and managing the voluntary Approved Contractor Scheme.

For further information about the Security Industry Authority or to sign up for email updates visit: www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk. The SIA is also on Facebook (Security Industry Authority), Twitter (@SIAuk) and LinkedIn.

 For media enquiriesonlyplease contact:

 SIA Press Office

Security Industry Authority

media.enquiries@sia.gov.uk