Emergency responders in the city of Ithaca are being credited with helping save the life of a suicidal person who was hanging from a suspension bridge near Giles Street.
Upon arriving on the scene shortly before 9 Tuesday morning, the initial Officers confirmed that a person was, in fact, on the other side of the safety fencing and was clinging to the wire mesh. Officers quickly established rapport with the individual. As the Ithaca Fire Department and other Officers were arriving, a quick plan was developed when the individual made a movement to complete their plan. The Officers and Firefighters reached through and around the wire mesh fence and clung onto the person who was actively trying to break free.
While Officers and Firefighters held the individual and prevented them from falling, the Ithaca Fire Department quickly set up rope rescue equipment and was able to cut through the wire mesh and attach a harness to the person in need.
The person was successfully and safely removed from the bridge and taken by Bangs Ambulance to the hospital for further evaluation and medical care.
In a release from the Ithaca Police Department, it commended the Fire Department for its great work in collaboration to save this individual’s life. The police also wanted to commend the community member who called 911 for his compassion and dialog with them before Officers and Firefighters could arrive on the scene.
If you or someone you love is struggling with mental health, call or text the Suicide Hotline at 988. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
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