A BARRY paramedic who put himself in the path of an oncoming train to save a man’s life has been honoured for his bravery.

Welsh Ambulance Service paramedic Steven Magee was rewarded for his trackside heroics at the Commendation Awards Ceremony for British Transport Police C Division – incorporating Wales Sub-Division - in Cardiff’s Marriot Hotel this month.

Clinical Team Leader Steve received a Certificate of Commendation for his actions at Eastbrook railway station, on May 9.

The extremely drunk man had fallen onto the railway lines, hit his head and had become unresponsive.

A member of the public called the emergency services and attracted the attention of the driver of an approaching freight train.

Steve, unsure of the man’s injuries, climbed between the freight wagons in order to assess him and found him unharmed in a small recess area underneath the platform.

He stayed with the man while the freight train was slowly moved away from the platform, although the patient became un-cooperative and tried to move out of the access area and into the path of the train.

Steve used a discarded piece of perspex as a shield and held him back until the train was clear and police officers could assist.

Steve said: “I feel very humbled to receive this award as I was just carrying out my normal duty. Perhaps it often goes unnoticed that these are the type of incidents we come across daily as ambulance staff. From hour to hour we’re never sure what is facing us when we make our way to 999 calls so I’m receiving this award on behalf of my colleagues too, and it is great to receive recognition from our working partners.”

British Transport Police, chief superintendent and C divisional commander, Peter Holden said: “Steven showed commendable presence of mind and no little bravery in ensuring that the male remained safe in the recess area under the platform at Eastbrook railway station while the freight train passed through the station on the adjacent track. At great personal risk to himself, Steven was able to prevent the male from taking his own life and his actions reflect well upon both himself and the Welsh Ambulance Service.”

Welsh Ambulance Service locality manager for the Vale of Glamorgan, Darren Panniers, added: “It is great that Steve has received this award. Ambulance staff carry out an extraordinary job, under very difficult circumstances and deserve recognition for their actions. There is no doubt that Steve’s actions prevented serious, if not fatal, injury to the drunken male.”