EMERYVILLE (CBS13) - Quick action from firefighters in Alameda County stopped an apparent suicide attempt by a woman in Emeryville on Tuesday morning.
Firefighters were driving back after a call when they noticed that a woman was crawling on the overpass on Powell Street. They pulled to the side of the road to investigate.
The firefighters soon noticed she was visibly upset and crying, saying she was in pain.
Traffic was quickly diverted and firefighters started talking to the woman.
The tense moments were captured on video by the Alameda County Fire Department.
Just after 10:30AM this morning, a suicide attempt was stopped as a result of the fast actions of Alameda County firefighters in Emeryville.
While driving back to the firehouse after a call, Engine 34 noticed a woman crawling on to the wall, up the embankment of the Powell Street overpass. Thinking that the woman may have a disabled vehicle nearby or need assistance, Engine 34 pulled to the side of the road to see what was going on.
Firefighters quickly realized the woman was crying and visibly upset. Sitting on the edge of the overpass and stating she was in pain, Engine 34 requested law enforcement to respond to the scene. Hearing the update on the radio while conducting an inspection nearby, Engine 35 also responded.
Within minutes, a plan was developed to divert traffic and continue to talk to the woman from below the overpass so that firefighters could travel up the embankment and remove her from the edge.
As soon as firefighters arrived at the top of the overpass, the woman turned her back for a moment and firefighters were able to safely move in and remove her from the edge. Firefighters stayed with her until additional help arrived.
Fortunately, Engine 34 was the reporting party for this emergency and Engine 35 was nearby.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, 1 in 5 Americans will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime.
If you or a loved one are in a crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Once the woman turned her back for a moment, firefighters moved in and grabbed her from the edge.
Firefighters stayed at the scene with her until more help arrived.
If you or someone you know is in a crisis, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is always available. Please don't hesitate to call 1 (800) 273-8255.
