Airport hero saves woman in car park roof drama
POLICE CHIEF HANDS OVER AWARD
A HEROIC airport worker saved a young woman’s life after she spotted her sitting on the top of a multi-storey car park.
Samantha Platts arrived at work to start her shift as a car parks logistics manager at Manchester Airport when she glanced up to a 13-floor car park above.
The 33-year-old saw a pair of legs hanging over the side of the building.
“My initial thought was to run up the stairwell as fast as I could to reach her,” Samantha said.
“Natural instincts took over, this was somebody’s daughter so distressed.”
When she reached the top, she saw the woman was crying uncontrollably and rocking back and forth on the edge of the building.
“I kept asking her name, explained who I was and that I want to help, she kept crying saying no one cares and I reassured her that I did,” Samantha said. “She had headphones on the floor so I began to change my questions and ask what she was listening to – I asked if she wanted to grab a cuppa somewhere safe and talk.”
She managed to keep her calm as a crowd of people gathered on the ground below.
Two police officers then arrived at the scene and tried to help Samantha talk the woman to safety.
“Crowds built up on the ground floor looking up and directly opposite in the office buildings, you could see shadows watching. The plain-clothed police arrived. One was in my eyesight and the other behind me.”
Samantha, from Swinton, Salford, said that what was only 20 minutes appeared to be a lifetime while trying to talk the woman down. She felt a huge sense of responsibility for the woman who she had only just met.
“I had a dry mouth, I started to realise I was shaking and sweating from the adrenaline. She was younger than me and so distraught.
“Mentally I was pleading that she didn’t jump or else it would be my fault.
“I kept thinking that she’s someone’s daughter or sister that needed help.”
Thanks to Samantha gaining her trust, the woman’s life was saved.
She swung her legs around and was pulled to safety by police officers.
The woman was taken to a quiet room where she received the help she needed.
Samantha has since heard that the young woman is getting help from mental health services.
Samantha has now been handed the Citizen’s Commendation award by Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Ian Hopkins.
The chief hands out awards throughout the year, recognising members of the public and officers who have made an impressive contribution to their community.
Mr Hopkins said: “Samantha went above and beyond what is expected, gaining the trust of a young woman who was clearly distressed and undoubtedly saving her life.
“I am also extremely pleased to hear that the young woman is now receiving the help she needs.”