Group of strangers unite to save woman from I-94 overpass in St. Paul
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- A group of strangers united to save a woman from jumping into interstate traffic on an overpass in St. Paul.
Video shows the group pulling the woman through a hole in a chain link fence Monday evening. Angela Martin says she saw the woman climb a concrete wall and scale the fence as traffic whizzed by beneath her.
The Star Tribune says Martin parked her car on the overpass and pleaded with the woman not to jump. Within minutes, other motorists stopped to help save the woman.
Martin says she grabbed the woman's shirt and her belt on held on. Police officers arrived and joined the rescue efforts. Paramedics tended to the woman after she was pulled to safety as the rescuers clapped and shook hands.
Photos of the scene were provided to Fox 9 by local business owner Lucky Rosenbloom
Help is available
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number is 800-273-8255. The hotline has trained staff available 24/7 to help those in crisis. Everyone can play a role in preventing suicide by being aware of the warning signs of suicidal behaviors:
- Talking about wanting to die; feeling hopeless, trapped, or in unbearable pain, being a burden to others
- Looking for a way to kill oneself
- Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
- Acting anxious, agitated, or reckless
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Withdrawing or feeling isolated
- Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
- Displaying extreme mood swings.
What you can do If you believe someone is at risk of suicide:
- Ask them if they are thinking about killing themselves. (This will not put the idea into their heads, or make it more likely that they will attempt suicide.);
- Call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255);
- Take the person to an emergency room or seek help from a medical or mental health professional; - Remove any objects that could be used in a suicide attempt;
- If possible, do not leave the person alone.
Resources
http://www.samhsa.gov/nssp
http://www.actionallianceforsuicideprevention.org/NSSP
http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
http://www.sprc.org