At 8:40 this morning, Emergency Communications of Southern Oregon (ECSO) dispatch received a call for an armed suicidal woman lost in the woods overnight after ingesting pills.
Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputies and an Oregon State Police (OSP) trooper found her vehicle stuck in the snow 90 minutes later near the intersection of 3738 Forest Service road and Butte Falls-Fish Lake Road.
An ECSO dispatcher was able to establish phone communications and kept the woman engaged by being compassionate, emphasizing her self-worth, and giving her someone to talk to. The dispatcher stayed on the line for nearly an hour until law enforcement arrived.
JCSO deputies and the OSP trooper talked her into disarming herself and receiving the help she needed. Due to snowy conditions on the road they walked her to an awaiting Mercy Flights ambulance. The patient is receiving care at a local hospital.
During the holiday season it is especially important that we reach out to our loved ones and get them the help they need before it is too late. You’re not alone. Help is available. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255.
