Life saver

By Nicole Williams
A CITY of Greater Dandenong councillor’s quick thinking may have helped save a man’s life last week.
While driving to an appointment, Councillor Maria Sampey stopped to help a man she thought was planning to jump off an overpass bridge near Eastlink.
“Something said to me, go back,” Cr Sampey said. “I’d rather be half an hour later to the appointment – a life is more important than my appointment.”
She said that although a lot of cars drove past the man, it would get on her conscience, so she turned around and went back.
The man said he was fine and would get off the ledge shortly, so Cr Sampey called the police while keeping the man in sight.
“His face was quite distraught, so I thought I didn’t want to keep talking to him in case I upset him,” Cr Sampey said. “So I drove to the bottom of the bridge and watched him while I called triple zero.”
The police arrived while she was still on the phone and took the man to get treatment.
Cr Sampey urged members of the public to act, if they saw someone in a similar situation.
SANE Australia Executive Director Barbara Hocking commended Cr Sampey’s actions.
“It was a very appropriate and responsible thing to do,” Ms Hocking said. “As it happened her actions may have saved his life and ensured he is getting some treatment and support.”
Ms Hocking said no-one should ever feel it was inappropriate to say ‘Can I help, are you OK?’ as this might save someone’s life.
Although the incident ended well, Cr Sampey is now questioning why there is ledge on the bridge at all.
“Why do you need a ledge?” Cr Sampey said. “There is a ledge at either end of the bridge and that ledge is not necessary.”
She plans to raise the issue at the next council meeting.
“We should put a bar on the two-metre ledge; it needs to be covered up so that people can’t sit or stand up on it.”
Anyone feeling depressed or alone should call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the SANE Helpline on 1800 18 SANE (1800 18 7263) or call triple zero if someone has a plan to commit suicide.