SHAH ALAM: With 17 years experience as a firefighter, Muhammad Hazrin Zulkifli encountered numerous people attempting to end their own lives, including rescuing the same person numerous times at the same location.
Hazrin, who is the Bukit Jelutong Fire and Rescue station chief said participated in more than 10 rescue operations for individuals attempting suicide.
"I was involved in a rescue operation in April 2021 to save a man in his 20s who tried to end his life on the Bukit Jelutong Bridge due to a broken heart.
"In Aug 2023, I encountered the same man at the same location for the same reason (heartbreak)," he said in an interview with Harian Metro.
He said there are two categories of people in such situations: those with sound mind and those under the influence of drugs.
"For those who are sane, we usually use persuasion methods that emphasise on religious and familial aspects.
"When dealing with individuals under the influence of drugs, we take extra precautions and are prepared for a physical rescue as they can become aggressive due to hallucinations," he said.
To prepare for such situations, he said the fire and rescue department prepares various safety equipment, especially for high-rise buildings, including air bags.
"In most cases, we take less than an hour to persuade or rescue the person attempting suicide.
"However, there are instances where we have to spend more than an hour persuading them, and ultimately, we may have to physically intervene."
Hazrin and his colleagues feel relieved and happy when they succeed in saving lives in such dire situations.
"We are aware that in today's world, many incidents are recorded and become viral on social media.
"Given this situation, I advise the public to be more sensitive towards individuals attempting suicide.
"This is because such actions might push the individual to repeat the attempt, and by then, it might be too late to save them," he said.
Meanwhile, Fire and Rescue Department director-general Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad said the department has established standard operating procedures (SOP) for such cases.
"Upon arriving at the scene, the team leader will conduct a size-up by observing and gathering information and making an initial decision on the operational actions to be taken.
"Usually, the fire and rescue department will take a gentle and persuasive approach until the individual is in a calmer state.
"This gives the fire and rescue personnel an advantage in carrying out rescue operations."
He added that the operations commander will determine the position and size of the individual to ensure the surrounding environment is safe and free from other hazards, and to establish a safe distance for the rescue operation.
"Typically, this process will also involve close family members or trusted individuals to create a safe and calm environment for the individual attempting suicide.
"For rescues in high-rise buildings, the fire and rescue department will use ropes, full-body harnesses, pulleys, carabiners, safety air cushions (SAC), ladders, and nets or water spray techniques for the rescue work," he said.