Key Takeaways:
- Crisis call boxes are to be installed on an aging Fraser River bridge where dozens of people have attempted to take their own lives.
- The bridge will not receive structural improvements such as netting or higher railings due to concerns about its ability to accommodate them.
- Mental health professionals advocate for physical barriers as the most effective means of preventing suicides.
- The installation of crisis call boxes is seen as a stopgap measure, with more creative solutions needed to address the issue of aging bridges and suicide prevention.
- National building codes and engineering standards are being called into question for their lack of emphasis on suicide prevention.
Introduction to the Issue
The Fraser River bridge, whose location is not being disclosed, has been the site of numerous suicide attempts over the past decade. In response to these incidents, crisis call boxes are set to be installed on the bridge, connecting people in crisis to mental health professionals. However, the bridge will not be receiving structural improvements such as netting or higher railings, which are considered the most effective means of preventing suicides. According to engineers, the bridge’s aging structure is unable to accommodate such upgrades without significant issues.
The Engineer’s Report
A 2024 engineer’s report obtained by The Tyee reveals that officials have been discussing possible solutions to the bridge’s suicide problem for years. The report highlights the complexity of adding suicide deterrent netting or fencing to the bridge, citing concerns about the bridge’s structural capacity and associated risks. The report estimates that adding a suicide prevention fence could cost tens of millions of dollars and may involve significant contractor claims and lawsuits. Furthermore, the report notes that the bridge’s sidewalks may need to be replaced to support the installation of fencing, and that netting is impractical due to the risk of injury and the need for constant maintenance.
The Limitations of Crisis Call Boxes
While crisis call boxes are seen as a useful intervention, they are not considered a replacement for physical barriers. Stacy Ashton, the executive director of the Crisis Intervention & Suicide Prevention Centre of BC, notes that physical barriers are the most effective means of preventing suicides. Ashton points to a study by Toronto Public Health that found restrictions on the means of suicides, such as access to high bridges, have a significant impact in preventing deaths. She acknowledges that installing physical barriers can be costly and structurally challenging, but argues that these issues should not be used to dismiss the idea of adding suicide prevention measures to bridges.
The Need for Creative Solutions
Ashton advocates for a more creative approach to addressing the issue of aging bridges and suicide prevention. She suggests that officials should investigate what it would take to add physical deterrents to bridges, rather than simply proclaiming them to be feasible or not. Ashton also calls for national building codes and engineering standards to be revised to emphasize the importance of suicide prevention. She notes that Canada’s national bridge building codes focus on fall prevention, but not suicide prevention, which requires addressing different factors. By changing the standards and requirements for bridge design and construction, Ashton believes that engineers and planners can be incentivized to find innovative solutions to the problem.
The Importance of Education and Awareness
Ashton emphasizes the importance of education and awareness in addressing the issue of suicide prevention. She suggests that engineering and planning educators should tackle the challenge of creating suicide prevention barriers that can be added to bridges where weight capacities are nearing their maximums. By incorporating suicide prevention into educational curricula and professional standards, Ashton believes that the issue can be brought to the forefront of the conversation and innovative solutions can be found. Ultimately, the installation of crisis call boxes on the Fraser River bridge is seen as a stopgap measure, with more creative and effective solutions needed to address the complex issue of aging bridges and suicide prevention.
