A person threatening to jump from the Delaware River Bridge Monday night was talked down by area first responders and taken to a local medical facility for support and treatment.
The incident which brought out first responders from all over the region began around 8:30 p.m.
First responders on scene spoke to the individual through speakers. Helicopters used spotlights to track the person in crisis.
Traffic slowed but continued with plenty of motorist “rubbernecking ” from the Pennsylvania Turnpike side leading onto the bridge.
Multiple agencies responded and brought the incident to a close with the safe return of the subject, said Edgely Fire Company officials.
A local mental health professional, risking their career and licensing, who requested anonymity, told Lower Bucks Source that the individual agreed to sign in for inpatient evaluation and treatment once options were offered to them.
Credit: Edgely Fire Company
Firefighters apparently had to cut away at the fencing that is supposed to keep people from accessing the outer sections of the span that connects New Jersey and Pennsylvania, to safely secure the individual experiencing an emotional crisis.
As a person in mental health recovery, there are a number of professional organizations and community-based mental health professionals in the Lower Bucks County area available to provide support and help 365/24/7. Dial 988 to connect to behavioral or mental health crisis services. Dialing 988 will connect callers directly to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or reach out to Lenape Valley Mobile Crisis Intervention Services at 1-877-435-7709. A Telephone Crisis Worker will gather preliminary information, determine if Mobile Services are appropriate, and dispatch a Mobile Crisis Intervention Service Team.
I can’t tell you how many times LVF has saved me from myself.