In the fast-paced world of healthcare, and especially while caring for mental health patients – where colleagues face both rewarding and challenging situations – there are moments that truly reflect what it means to work in this important division of EMED. Jacqueline Gibbs, Angie White and Lynn Shaw – dedicated team members of EMED Group’s Safe Care division, recently experienced one of those defining moments, showing remarkable courage, empathy and composure when faced with a potentially tragic situation.
As part of their everyday work, Jacqueline, Angie and Lynn were returning to base in Leeds after conducting a welfare check on a colleague. Driving along the route, Jacqui spotted a man sitting on the wrong side of the ledge, on a bridge over a river, visibly distressed and preparing to jump. The crewmates stopped, pulled over and took action without hesitation, calling 999 first and putting themselves in the moment to connect with the man, to work as part of the team to divert foot traffic and offering words of understanding and comfort to everyone involved.
Of course, at EMED, being on the road is part of the job, and sadly, incidents like this are encountered from time to time. This constant exposure to the realities of people’s struggles has really heightened our team’s awareness of mental health needs and the importance of quick, empathetic intervention. This team’s actions, in partnership with the emergency services – who quickly gathered, including in boats under the bridge – allowed this man to be safely brought down from the bridge and provided with a full assessment, followed by access to mental health support.
In recognising the EMED team’s efforts, the police and ambulance service offered heartfelt praise and expressed how crucial their quick actions were. They also highlighted the benefit of collaborating with EMED Safe Care in situations like these, recognising our team’s unique position to respond promptly and compassionately. Working closely with emergency services could amplify this impact, offering even more support to those experiencing crisis moments while freeing up police time.
We couldn’t be prouder of Jacqui, Angie and Lynn and the way they live out the values at the core of our Safe Care division – extending care that not only protects physical well-being but also reaches out with empathy and understanding. The team’s actions remind us of the profound impact that trained, compassionate individuals can make in a person’s life, especially in times of vulnerability.
Michelle Jones, Managing Director of EMED Safe Care, commented: “The team’s actions on that day in Leeds are a powerful reminder of the dedication and compassion that define our team at EMED Safe Care. In a crisis, they demonstrated the empathy and professionalism we strive for every day. We are immensely proud of them for going above and beyond to support someone in need, working alongside emergency services to ensure he received the help he needed. This incident underscores the importance of our work on the road and highlights the value of close collaboration with our emergency service partners. Jackie, Angie and Lynn truly embody the heart of Safe Care.”
