NS-MACHINIST, CONDUCTEUR én OVERLEVENDE over de IMPACT van ZELFDODING op het SPOOR | Pauw & De Wit

Overview

The discussion focuses on the effects of suicide on the railway—not only on people in crisis and their families, but also on train staff who witness an incident. NS and 113 Suicide Prevention are launching a campaign to encourage people to notice signs of distress, start a conversation where possible, and seek help.

Personal Experiences

Danny van Ee

Danny van Ee describes attempting suicide on the tracks in 2015, after a period of severe mental distress and tunnel vision in which he saw death as his only option. He lost both legs and spent ten years using a wheelchair; he has since regained the ability to walk and run.

Shame made it difficult for him to speak openly about what happened. He now shares his experience to encourage others to talk or seek help. He stresses that a conversation may not work for everyone, though he has seen people helped when someone approached them.

Kai van Rijswijk

NS train driver Kai van Rijswijk describes facing three incidents, including one in which someone died. He explains the helplessness of being unable to steer away and how the images can remain with drivers. These experiences can also make drivers more alert to people near the tracks.

Rachel van Gelder

Chief conductor Rachel van Gelder recounts leaving a train to cover an incident that passengers could see. She says staff can receive support from specially trained colleagues, including conversations and help returning to the train.

Responding to Someone in Distress

The guests discuss how railway workers may respond when someone seems at risk. Rachel describes sitting quietly beside a distressed young man at a station, which helped him open up and accept support.

They note that approaching someone can be difficult in a rushed station environment, and that staff can involve other sources of help.

Presenters and Contributors

• Programme host (not identified in the subtitles)
• Kai van Rijswijk
• Rachel van Gelder
• Danny van Ee