The Scene
It was a Sunday afternoon at a Texas hospital when Security Supervisor Darren Lee, Officer Lionel Palmer, and Officer Mahboobullah Sahil were dispatched to attend to a possible suicide call. The initial call was made by someone who said he saw a man climb the edge of the railing in one of the parking garages. They said they felt like the person was going to jump.
Once on scene, the three officers split up and thoroughly searched the multi-floor garage. The team ended up finding the man on the top floor, standing on the other side of the railing looking to jump.
The Outcome
It was Supervisor Lee who made the initial contact with the man. The three officers quickly made themselves aware of their surroundings, while Supervisor Lee approached the man with extreme caution, trying not to startle him. Supervisor Lee then engaged in a conversation with him and found out he was depressed due to the loss of a loved one. The other two officers then joined in on the conversation, providing encouraging thoughts and hope that life can get better even after the loss of someone you love.
After speaking with the man for quite some time, the officers then action by taking physical control and successfully bringing him off the edge. Once the man was safely taken aside, the officers continued to speak with him while he was being escorted to the Emergency Department for evaluation.
The Training
PalAmerican Security is proud to provide robust training to our officers across the board. Suicide prevention is just one of the topics covered across a broad range of courses that provide training on recognizing the signs of depression and other mental health concerns that could lead to suicide, such as, job loss, death of loved ones, diagnosis with a serious illness or a break-up with significant other. While keeping the risk factors in mind, our officers are taught to approach the scene with extreme caution and empathy.
During this effort to prevent a suicide, the team was absolutely diligent and successful in de-escalating and gaining control of the situation with a positive conclusion. Time and time again, officers like Lee, Sahil, and Palmer have utilized their training on suicide prevention which has resulted in lives saved.
Not only were our officers able to save a life through effective training and timely responses but they also treated the situation with the dignity and respect that a person in this type of crisis deserves.
This was at least the fourth time in just a few months that the team at this facility was presented with a similar situation, each one having a successful outcome.
The Recognition
The hospital’s Risk Management Department invited PalAmerican Security to a special event to recognize Officers Lee, Palmer, and Sahil.
“I cannot say how extremely proud we are of the officer’s performance at an individual level as well as at a team level in these situations. It is a true testament to their professionalism, dedication, and high level of caring. It is in these extremely stressful and emotional situations that a person’s true character shines through. We are very thankful of the team’s extraordinary efforts in making immediate intervention during these life-threatening situations.” – Eugene Stahl, Regional Director of Operations.
“This is truly incredible work by Eddie and our security team. Outstanding!” – Chief Operating Officer of the hospital.
“Really incredible job! Your team is truly making a difference” – President of the hospital.
Way to go, Security Supervisor Darren Lee, Officer Lionel Palmer, and Officer Mahboobullah Sahil!
Do you think you have what it takes to be a security officer? Check out our careers page here!
*Please note we have refrained from using the hospital name for the privacy of the client and its patients.
