Iain Lee/YouTubeRadio DJ Iain Lee saved a suicidal man’s life live on air.
The English broadcaster was presenting his show The Late Night Alternative on TalkRadio alongside producer Katherine Boyle when a man named Chris called in to talk.
The caller seemed to be slurring his words as he explained to the radio hosts he had post traumatic stress disorder and had taken an overdose of drugs.
Iain managed to keep Chris on the phone for 30 minutes as he tried to determine where exactly the distressed man was calling from so someone could find him and help, Metro report.
ITVDuring some worrying moments in the phone call Chris went silent, leaving Iain desperately trying to get a response from him.
Offering his support and concern, the 45-year-old show host said:
I tell you what Chris, I don’t want you to die tonight, man, and I need to know what street you’re on. I want you to get through tonight and chat to me tomorrow, when you haven’t got a load of drugs in you.
I don’t want you to die tonight because I love you. I love you, brother. I love you.
The DJ managed to find out Chris was calling from near a nightclub in Plymouth, and thankfully a police officer found him and got him help.
Following the harrowing phone call, the DJ could be heard breaking down in tears and saying well done to his co-host, who was there listening to the call with him.
He said:
Jesus Christ. Oh man. The poor man. Oh god, well done Kath.
GettyIain later recalled the scary experience on Twitter, writing:
Tonight we took a call from a man who had taken an overdose. He was lying in a street in Plymouth, dying.
We managed to keep him online, get a description of what he looked like and was wearing, work out where he was and send an ambulance and police to him.
Kept him on the phone for 30 minutes while he got harder to understand. Long periods of silence where I thought he’d died. f*ck, that was intense and upsetting. Thanks for your kind words. I really hope he makes it.
for 30 minutes while he got harder to understand. Long periods of silence where I thought he'd died. fuck, that was intense and upsetting. Thanks for your kind words. I really hope he makes it.
— Iain Lee – talkRADIO (@iainlee) December 20, 2018
Police replied to the tweet and confirmed Chris’ safety, writing:
My officers that attended and are now dealing with the caller. This is a very typical call for us sadly and December is a hard month for many. We will do our best to direct him to long term support [sic].
My officers that attended and are now dealing with the caller. This is a very typical call for us sadly and December is a hard month for many. We will do our best to direct him to long term support. @DC_Police https://t.co/HjIGhopQ7q
— Insp Kev Morley (@InspMorley) December 20, 2018
Many listeners praised Iain for the way he helped Chris, and the DJ responded by encouraging anyone who is having trouble to contact Samaritans.
He tweeted:
Thanks everyone for your kind tweets. I’m a bit stunned after that call. Actually more than a bit. Don’t be alone. The Samaritans can help 116 123.
Thanks everyone for your kind tweets. I'm a bit stunned after that call. Actually more than a bit. Don't be alone. The Samaritans can help 116 123.
— Iain Lee – talkRADIO (@iainlee) December 19, 2018
Hopefully Chris will get all the support he needs.
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues, and want to speak to someone in confidence, please don’t suffer alone. Call Samaritans for free on their anonymous 24-hour phone line on 116 123.
Emily Brown first began delivering important news stories aged just 13, when she launched her career with a paper round. She graduated with a BA Hons in English Language in the Media from Lancaster University, and went on to become a freelance writer and blogger. Emily contributed to The Sunday Times Travel Magazine and Student Problems before becoming a journalist at UNILAD, where she works on breaking news as well as longer form features.