The police knew almost nothing about the man, not even his name, for quite some time. “I told him we wanted to help and that we would stay with him for as long as it took to bring him to safety,” Edwardsen said. “I said that there is no big problem that can not be solved and that we will try to help him overcome the pain.” Members of the Parkland Ambulance and Prince Albert’s Fire Department waited nearby, while Edwardsen continued her conversation until the man was finally helped off the bridge. He contacted a PAPS Police and Crisis Team officer (PACT), who picked him up for something to eat before taking him to the hospital for evaluation. He was accompanied by police until a doctor saw him. Working as a negotiator has to do with listening, Sgt. Edwardsen said, and the relationship the patrols had with the man helped her continue the conversation and reassure him that help was available. Good teamwork and help from our security associates helped ensure that the man felt supported enough to seek medical help. “It was not me who took him off this bridge, it was the team,” Sgt said. said Edwardsen. – [email protected] On Twitter: @princealbertnow
