This article is from the source 'independent' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/brazilian-firefighters-trained-to-prevent-suicide-by-catching-people-jumping-off-bridges-9794751.html

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Brazilian firefighters trained to prevent suicide by 'catching' people jumping off bridges Brazilian firefighters are trained to prevent suicide by 'catching' people jumping off bridges
(about 11 hours later)
Brazilian firefighters are being trained to jump off bridges to catch people attempting suicide.Brazilian firefighters are being trained to jump off bridges to catch people attempting suicide.
In its largest city, Sao Paulo, crews were filmed training from a bride over a busy road interchange that has frequently seen deaths.In its largest city, Sao Paulo, crews were filmed training from a bride over a busy road interchange that has frequently seen deaths.
Firefighters were seen tumbling over the side of the bridge, attached to ropes, and falling on to a crash mat below.Firefighters were seen tumbling over the side of the bridge, attached to ropes, and falling on to a crash mat below.
Diego Assuncaom, from the Sao Paulo Fire Department, said: “This exercise is called the suicide jump, where we simulate a victim on the side of the bridge ready to jump.Diego Assuncaom, from the Sao Paulo Fire Department, said: “This exercise is called the suicide jump, where we simulate a victim on the side of the bridge ready to jump.
“In the victim's moment of despair, the fireman jumps with a safety rope, catches the victim, controlling the fall thanks to the rope."“In the victim's moment of despair, the fireman jumps with a safety rope, catches the victim, controlling the fall thanks to the rope."
Brazilian firefighters practicing a suicide drill The technique has not yet been tried out in a real-life situation.Brazilian firefighters practicing a suicide drill The technique has not yet been tried out in a real-life situation.
The most recent World Health Organisation statistics show that around 9,400 people commit suicide every year in Brazil – almost five people per 100,000 population.The most recent World Health Organisation statistics show that around 9,400 people commit suicide every year in Brazil – almost five people per 100,000 population.
Brazilian firefighters practicing a suicide drill South Korea, Lithuania and Hungary are among the countries with the highest suicide rates in the world.Brazilian firefighters practicing a suicide drill South Korea, Lithuania and Hungary are among the countries with the highest suicide rates in the world.