Grandfather Walking Home from Work Saves Life of Man Moments from Jumping off Bridge
According to the CDC, suicide rates in the United States are rising. In June, the organization published a video that offered a plethora of heartbreaking statistics.
“Suicide rates increased in nearly every state from 1999 through 2016,” the video reported. This is just in the U.S. alone and doesn’t even touch the numbers in other parts of the world.
Because of the rise in these rates, many are seeking ways to help prevent others from taking their own lives.
The CDC says suicide prevention doesn’t fall on the shoulders of the government alone. Individuals and communities can help too.
In Scotland, the Glasgow Health and Social Care Partnership has taken the initiative to implement the “Choose Life” program.
According to The Extra, this program has been training individuals since 2002. “Choose Life” helps make its participants aware of warning signs, and teaches them how to help in a suicidal situation.
One grandfather is crediting his calm demeanor during a recent close-call to his suicide prevention training.
Willie is 66, but his age didn’t stop him from stepping in like a young and experienced superhero to save the day.
The Extra reported that Willie was walking home when he spotted a man on the edge of the Glasgow bridge.
“My adrenaline was pumping when I first saw him,” Willie told The Extra. “But my suicide prevention training kicked in. I remembered you should talk to someone in that situation. I told him my name and tried to get him to tell me his.”
The simplest of acts, and yet it made all the difference that day. According to the report, the stranger first responded to Willie with some choice words.
But Willie remained patient and soon Fire & Rescue showed up and the man was eventually pulled to safety.
“I think if I hadn’t had the suicide prevention training, I’d have reacted differently,” the 66-year-old shared. “I might not have intervened, because I was scared I’d make matters worse…”
But Willie didn’t make matters worse. He saved a life and it’s all because he had been properly trained in how to handle this exact sort of situation.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline in the United States welcomes volunteers. For more information on how to get involved, you can visit their website. You may be the next person to save a life just like Willie did.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741-741.
Truth and Accuracy
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.
