Two Nanaimo RCMP officers likely saved a distraught teen’s life after they pulled her from the railing of a bridge.
Witnesses told Nanaimo RCMP that a distraught young woman was perched precariously on the top railing of the Bastion Street bridge on May 28 at about 9:30 p.m., said Nanaimo RCMP spokesman Const. Gary O’Brien.
When Constables Derek Carl and Jessica Barnett arrived, they found the woman, who appeared to be in her late teens, on the railing looking despondent and gazing outward. Barnett was able to talk to the girl for some time about the struggles she faced and the pain that led her to climb the railing.
While Barnett listened to the young woman, Carl was able to slowly walk behind the teen and pull her to safety. She was then transported to hospital for a psychiatric assessment.
In a statement, Barnett said: “I was just glad to be in the right place at the right time and was able to engage her long enough, so my partner could safely pull her to safety. It was evident to both of us she was in a lot of pain. I hope she gets the help she needs to bring her out of the dark place she is in. Tonight was a good night and this is exactly why I joined the RCMP — to help people.”
Anyone in crisis and in need of help can call the Vancouver Island Crisis Line at 1-888-494-3888, which is staffed 24 hours a day. Island Health also provides a list of mental health resources in the Nanaimo area: http://www.viha.ca/mhas/locations/nanaimo/access.htm
