A driver in Chengde, Hebei noticed a man sitting on a bridge edge, approached casually with a ‘borrow-a-lighter’ pretext, and rescued him before handing him to police.

Social Context

China’s suicide prevention framework emphasizes ‘gatekeeper training’ for frontline workers—including drivers—under the National Mental Health Work Plan. Chengde’s ‘Bridge Watch’ program deploys thermal sensors and anonymous crisis text lines at high-risk infrastructure sites.

Safety Tip

Interveners should use non-confrontational language (‘I’m here to listen’), avoid physical contact unless imminent danger exists, and immediately contact 110 or 400-161-9995 (national suicide hotline).