Lifesaving efforts in a mental health crisis at the library
Security Officer Harmandeep Kaur was performing security duties at a local library, when she was notified of a possibly distraught patron on the 8th floor balcony.
Security Officer Kaur promptly responded to the area and noticed that the patron had crossed over the railings and was sitting on the unprotected side of the balcony railing. Kaur quickly approached the man and began to start a conversation, asking how they were doing.
The man was hesitant to speak and was behaving unusually, but after being offered a hand to hold by Kaur, he opened up. He was extremely distraught and began to sob, making comments indicating a serious intention to self harm. Officer Kaur remained empathetic and started to converse with him, continuing to hold his hand and persuading him to slowly stand on the balcony.
Soon he stood up, and Kaur grabbed both his arms while continuing the conversation. Another security officer arrived and together, both officers managed to persuade the man to cross back over the railing onto the protected balcony, where he was able to sit down and Kaur continued to talk to him with encouraging words.
The officers were able to track down a social worker who offered to intervene, and the three stayed with the man until the police’s crisis unit arrived. The police were able to get the man to accept transport to a healthcare facility.
Officer Kaur’s actions, empathy, quick decision-making and willingness to support the man helped a positive resolution of a potentially fatal situation. Thank you, Officer Kaur!
Canadian Security Lifesaver Association®