Gwinnett County Deputy Saves Inmate From Suicide

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA — A Gwinnett County deputy saved an inmate recently from hanging to death in the inmate's own shower stall.

Deputy M. Seymore conducted a security check in the housing unit she was supervising after she heard a strange sound from an inmate's cell, according to the Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office.

She approached the cell and noticed that the inmate assigned to the room was not visible. She opened the door to check the shower area, where she observed the inmate hanging by the neck from a bed sheet tied over the shower curtain rod.

Deputy Seymore immediately summoned for help over the radio and lifted the inmate's body to relieve the tension from the inmate's neck until someone could assist in freeing the inmate from the noose.

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The inmate was unconscious, unresponsive and blue in the face until medical intervention resulted in successful resuscitation. The inmate was transported to the hospital for further care.

The Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office expressed their appreciation of her quick and life-saving efforts with a post on their Facebook page.

"Our deputies are charged with tremendous responsibilities each day," reads the post. "We're proud of the great job they do and appreciate each one of them.

"Excellent job, Deputy Seymore! We're certain that this inmate's family is deeply appreciative of your professionalism and caring."

According to the CDC, the 12 warning signs of suicide are:

• Feeling like a burden,
• Being isolated,
• Increased anxiety,
• Feeling trapped or in unbearable pain,
• Increased substance use,
• Looking for a way to access lethal means,
• Increased anger or rage,
• Extreme mood swings,
• Expressing hopelessness,
• Sleeping too little or too much,
• Talking or posting about wanting to die, and
• Making plans for suicide

The CDC also highlighted what different groups can do to prevent suicides. The CDC says if you are worried about someone who is thinking of suicide, you can follow these steps:

• Keep them safe. Reduce access to lethal means for those at risk.
• Be there with them. Listen to what they need.
• Help them connect with ongoing support like the Lifeline — (800) 273-8255.
• Follow up to see how they're doing.
• Find out how this can save a life by visiting: www.bethe1to.com/" rel="nofollow">www.bethe1to.com

How To Get Help In Georgia
Georgia Crisis and Access Line: Call 1-800-715-4225 or www.mygcal.com to obtain access to care.
NAMI - Georgia: (770) 234-0855
Mental Health Association of Georgia: (404) 527-7175
AFSP (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention) - Georgia: (770) 843-3836

Cobb County & Douglass County Access Center: (770) 422-0202 (M-F 7am-5pm) A call center for information regarding intake appointments and referrals to mental health services

DEKALB COUNTY: DeKalb Community Service Board, Crisis Access Line (404) 892-4646

FULTON COUNTY: Emergency Mental Health Services (404) 730-1600 or (404) 730-1608 TDD

PAULDING COUNTY: Three Rivers Behavioral Health, 1-800-493-1932

Gwinnett County Suicide Prevention Hotline: (770) 985-2494

VA Mental Health Services: (404) 321-6111 Ext. 7620 (M-F 8am-4:30pm) Atlanta VA Medical Center's mental health help line for veterans

United Way 211: 211
Anyone struggling with mental health can get help by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which is available 24 hours a day, at 1-800-273-8255, by visiting this website or by texting HOME to 741741.

Photo courtesy Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office