How to talk people down (serious topic)

KiwiValley

I literally (not figuratively) managed to talk a young man off a ledge today.

I didn't have a clue what i was doing, but having looked up afterwards what you should do, i luckily did mostly of the right things.

The below is the advice that i found. I post it here for you to all read just in case you ever find yourself in a similar position. Good luck if it does happen to you.

• Ensure Your Safety:

  Stay a safe distance away from the ledge and the person, and avoid any actions that could escalate the situation or put you in danger. 
• Call for Help:

  Immediately call emergency services (911 or the local emergency number) and inform them of the situation, including the location and the person's condition. 
• De-escalate the Situation (If Possible):

  • Speak Calmly: If you can, try to speak to the person in a calm and reassuring voice, without making any promises or demands. 
• Listen: Try to understand what the person is going through, and let them know you are there to listen. 
• Do Not Argue or Threaten: Avoid any actions or words that could provoke or anger the person. 

Stay on Scene:

Remain on the scene to provide information and assist emergency responders when they arrive. 

Do Not Attempt a Rescue Without Proper Training:

Do not try to pull the person off the ledge or attempt any rescue actions without proper training and equipment. 

Provide First Aid (If Trained):

If you are trained in first aid, be prepared to provide assistance to the person once they are safe. 

ForeverAddickted

Well done Kiwi, I saw the thread and despite the "Serious topic" thought you'd be asking how to put someone down with a witty comeback or burn - You can read on occasion about how moments like this can change someone's life around, because they realise that people do care... So really hope this is one of those days.

KiwiValley

I posted this because i felt very ill equipped to deal with the situation and I want to help the next person be more so.

LargeAddick

Good on you Kiwi, not sure what I’d have said in the same circumstances.

North Lower Neil

Well done Kiwi, must have been incredibly overwhelming, sounds like you did a great job.

PhilFor54

Amazing post. Well done.

Valiantphil

It’s the devastation and guilt left behind for others, who thought they could/should have done something, along with a lot of unanswered questions. 

Well done Kiwi

KBslittlesis

I hope you're OK Kiwi?
Make sure you take care of you, these things can take a huge toll on our mental health.
You're a star bar 🧡

sillav nitram

What a difficult situation to find yourself in and thankfully you managed to save the day.

Well done.

KiwiValley

thanks every one. I wouldn’t go as far as to say I saved the day. I certainly didn’t exacerbate the situation and maybe things might have ended differently had I taken a misstep or not been there at all. Initially I was fine and my job had some urgent things I needed to attend to, but as the day wore on and I got on top of my work, I  got more and more distracted and disturbed by the event. Feeling a bit nauseous now that I’ve arrived home. Hug your children time. 

soapboxsam

Thanks for sharing Kiwi valley and being there for that young guy in his hour, minutes or seconds of need.

A very difficult situation to find yourself in and one where once you have made verbal contact with the person you are part of the drama with the potential ending of a life.

If you have no knowledge or inside information on that person other than they have reached a crisis point in their life, what a harrowing scenario to find yourself in.

Maybe it was fate you were there and hopefully now that young man can get the support and care which will stop him being on the precipice again.

Bournemouth Addick

You're an absolute superstar Kiwi and it's a completely natural reaction to the event to have a physical response afterwards. Don't be afraid to recognise that what happened will have an impact on you too and might need some processing, for want of a better term. . 

On the plus side you can now claim to be in the same club as Jon Bon Jovi, who recently talked a woman down from a bridge. 

Well done again! 

RalphMilnesgut

Kiwi, very well done. 

Please make sure you look after yourself and find someone to speak to if you need to. It is a funny think that even though you did the right thing, these things can play on your mind.

bobmunro

Actions that result in 'Legend' status - I'm in awe.

Take care of yourself now, Kiwi.

Horsfield9

Very well done. 

Tunwellsaddick

Well done Kiwi 

Arsenetatters

I’m sure it will be a turning point for the person you saved. He must have been feeling at his lowest and then a stranger cares enough to give him the time to talk and feel understood. Whatever you said came from the heart and was authentic. Thank god you were there. 

Take it easy for a while.

AFKABartram

That’s awesome Kiwi, well done mate. Seeing someone a couple of years being talked down off London Bridge was bizarrely surreal. 

Hopefully it doesn’t affect you but make solute you don’t bottle it up if it does. 

Solidgone

Very brave Kiwi.