Spring has arrived and the change of season call load has started in dispatch.
There are three dispatchers on duty and the phones have not stopped ringing, field responders from all disciplines have been active. As the phone rings…
Tyler: “9-1-1, where is your emergency?”
On the other end of the phone Tyler heard the caller say the following in the calmest, and most polite voice.
Caller: “Before I tell you, will you promise to tell my family I tried? I did try many times, but I believe I am finished. I cannot do this anymore, please tell them I am sorry, but I just can’t keep going. I wanted to do it where they would have to see it.”
Tyler: “What are you going to do? Where are you?”
Caller: “I have not done anything yet, but it will be done long before anyone finds me.”
Tyler: “Wait, let’s start with your name; who am I speaking with?”
Caller: “You can just call me Casey. I am finally at piece with my decision and know that I cannot face my family again, I left them a note that they will find later explaining what happened and why I must do this.” I tried to fix what happened, but it was too far along, and I couldn’t undo or face the consequences if they found out.
Tyler: “Casey, I promise you that it can be worked out and there are other options. If you like I can let you speak with a counselor, and they can help us find a better solution.”
Casey: “No! I don’t want to talk to anyone else.”
Tyler: “OK, just talk to me. Can you give me your phone number just in case the phone loses contact, or the service drops for some reason?
Casey: “I think you have my phone number from that caller ID. If not, it isn’t important.”
Tyler did not have a phone number; Casey’s call was received as an administrative call with no phone number and was not able to be located on the mapping system.
Tyler: “Casey, how old are you?”
Casey: “That does not matter, all will know soon.”
Tyler: “Do you have children?”
Casey: “No, I only have Chance, my German Sheppard.”
Tyler: “How old is Chance?”
Casey: “I have had him for almost a year, I got him when he was a pup. His owner was just going to dump him on the side of the road, so I took him.”
Tyler: “Where is Chance now? I am sure he is missing you.”
Casey: “He is at my mom’s house; she treats him just like a grandchild and spoils him.”
Tyler: “Casey, what is your plan?”
Casey: “The only way to end it all is to end my life. That way I am no longer a disappointment to anyone and what happened last month will not affect them. I cannot face them after they find out.”
Tyler: “What did you do last month?”
Casey: “It is awful, what they have done to me, and I can’t let anyone see or know, but I can’t stop it now.”
Tyler talked with Casey regarding the plan and how that would work and some possible complications with that plan.
Tyler: “Do you want to tell me what happen a month ago that led to today?”
Casey: “No, I rather not. I have tried to tell a few people and they just blew me off. No one really cares or needs me around anyway.”
Tyler: “Casey, I have just sat down in this chair, for my shift, I have two partners in here and they are handling other things. You are helping me by being on the line and talking with me. My name is Tyler by the way. I have plenty of time to listen and talk with you.”
Casey: “I don’t want to talk about it.”
Tyler: “OK, but before we go further, what about Chance? Is there a plan for him, you know after? Who will keep him, feed him, and train him?
Casey: “My mom will probably keep him, I hope.”
Tyler: “You stated that no one cared or needed you. But what about your mom? What about Chance? You saved his life, and now he will not know what to do when he searches and keeps watch for you to return. I have a dog also but mine is a small dachshund, and she is scared of everything. But she is always so happy to see me, even if only five minutes passed.”
Tyler talked to Casey for approximately two hours, going over different aspects of life. Talking about hobbies, school, and Chance. Chance was a huge conversation bit. While Tyler was talking, his two partners were desperately trying to find any information and a way to locate Casey. Through many attempts and help from other agencies, Casey was located and transported to receive help. Tyler’s conversation with Casey was key in helping to obtain the location. While talking with Tyler, Casey agreed to accept help.
This happened to be a young teenager, and the ‘thing’ that happened was not as huge as what they had worked it up to be in their mind. But they just didn’t know of an avenue to turn to for help, concluding that the only way out was ending their life. Unfortunately, situations like this happen every day in the world. Often the ending is not a lifesaving statistic. There are many options today for those that are feeling like there is nowhere to turn. If you feel like you cannot talk to someone you know, there is always 9-1-1 or 988. If you suspect someone may need these resources or assistance, share these options with them or call to have someone check on them. 988 can be texted or called anonymously. One phone call or text can have a lifesaving result for you or someone you know.
The Texas County Emergency Services office in Houston is funded by a 3/8-cent countywide sales tax approved by voters in 2013. Director Terra Culley can be reached by phone at 417-967-5309 or by email at terraculley911@hotmail.com.
