Congratulations and a very well done to the following Armourguard people who have recently saved lives. All of these Wellington security people have received NZ Security Association awards in recognition of their amazing efforts.

Wellington security guard, Vaneasa

Vaneasa was commended for her outstanding response during a critical incident at a railway station after a distressed teenager expressed suicidal thoughts and entered the rail corridor multiple times.

Vaneasa calmly engaged the teenager with empathy and reassurance, before contacting police and keeping the young person talking. Such was the rapport that Vaneasa built, even when police arrived, the teenager insisted on speaking with “that lady” again. Such compassionate communication was instrumental in de-escalating the situation and ensuring the teenager accepted help.

Wellington Security Officer, Gregory

Gregory acted quickly after finding a young woman collapsed on a concourse late one evening. Upon speaking with her, he discovered she was a type 1 diabetic who had consumed alcohol, resulting in critically low blood sugar levels – a serious and potentially life-threatening situation.

While on the phone with emergency services, he took her vitals on their request and then put her into recovery position when her condition deteriorated. He also tried to give her glucose and then sugar water.

When paramedics arrived, they conducted a blood glucose test and found that her levels were indeed dangerously low, so Gregory’s prompt action played a big part in her recovery.

Wellington Surveillance Officer, Dylan

Dylan was off duty and waiting for a train when he was approached by a distressed individual whose friend had collapsed. Dylan immediately called 111 and relayed critical information about the patient’s condition. While doing so, he calmed the panicked friend and maintained control of the situation.

During the incident, a bystander attempted to jump onto the train tracks to reach the person. Dylan intervened and directed them safely via the subway, preventing a potential secondary emergency. That individual then assisted by placing the patient in the recovery position.

Though off duty, Dylan’s professionalism, composure, and decisive actions contributed to the person’s survival by ensuring paramedics received timely and accurate updates while they were on their way to the site.