Four Luton Airport employees have been recognised for their bravery after helping to save the life of a passenger who suffered a medical emergency at the airport.
Guest Experience Team colleagues Zahid Khan and Abdul Wali, along with airport firefighters Eliott Foster and Ian Cross, were presented with a Royal Humane Society Award in recognition of their actions during the incident on 3 June 2025.
They were joined in the rescue by Bedfordshire Police officers PC Jason Paul and PC Gareth Ward from the Airport Policing Unit, who also received the award.
According to the airport, Zahid Khan and Abdul Wali were first to respond after a member of the public suddenly became seriously unwell while travelling through the airport.
The pair immediately began administering first aid before firefighters Eliott Foster and Ian Cross arrived with specialist medical equipment. Together with the two police officers, they provided continuous emergency care until the East of England Ambulance Service took over.
The passenger was taken to hospital and has since made a full recovery.
The awards were presented during a ceremony at Bedfordshire Police Headquarters on 14 July, hosted by Chief Constable Trevor Rodenhurst, Bedfordshire Chief Fire Officer Andy Hopkinson and the Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Professor Gurch Randhawa.
Neil Thompson, chief operating officer at London Luton Airport, said: “We are incredibly proud of Zahid, Abdul, Eliott and Ian, whose quick thinking, compassion and expertise exemplify the very best of London Luton Airport. Faced with a serious medical emergency, they acted immediately to support a passenger in need, demonstrating the commitment our teams show every day to keeping people safe.
“This award is a fitting recognition of their actions and of the vital role our colleagues play in delivering assistance when it matters most. We are also grateful to our emergency service partners whose collaboration helped ensure the best possible outcome. We congratulate everyone involved on this well-deserved award.”
Bedfordshire Police Chief Constable Trevor Rodenhurst said: “These incidents demonstrate the very best of policing and public service. The individuals involved showed extraordinary professionalism, composure and determination in the most challenging of circumstances, where their actions directly contributed to saving lives.
“I am particularly proud of the way colleagues worked alongside our partner agencies at London Luton Airport, demonstrating the strength of our relationships and the value of a co-ordinated response during emergency incidents. Everyone recognised through these awards should be immensely proud of their achievements.
“Their dedication, teamwork and commitment to preserving life are truly inspiring. These incidents highlight the vital role of partnership working and the difference that can be made when different organisations come together.”
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