Third Day Training Synopsis

LIFELINE: Psychological First Aid for Suicide Prevention

What is LIFELINE?
LIFELINE is an easy‑to‑remember framework for offering immediate psychological first aid to someone in crisis. It’s a guide—from noticing signs to ensuring ongoing support—when every moment truly matters.

• L – Look & Engage: Observe distress signals—body language, behaviors, words—and gently reach out to connect. Build trust, show presence, and assess their state of mind.
• I – Immediate Risk Assessment: Ask open, compassionate questions about suicidal thoughts, plans, intent, and access to means. Don’t avoid the topic; your concern can open a lifeline.
• F – Foster Internal Motivation to Live: Gently guide the person toward their deeper, authentic reasons to live—their “genuine mind.”
• E – Empathize & Validate: Acknowledge their pain without judgment; help reduce emotional arousal and stabilize.
• L – Limit Access to Means: Safely reduce access to potentially lethal items—medications, weapons, high places—to lower immediate danger.
• I – Implement Personalized Safety Plan: Co‑create a simple safety plan with coping reminders, personal motivations, emergency contacts, and mental health resources.
• N – Navigate Supports & Link Resources: Connect them with trusted people—family, friends, professionals—and community resources.
• E – Ensure Follow‑Up & Evaluate: Maintain connection. Re‑check how they’re feeling, what’s changing, and adjust support as needed.

A Real‑Life Moment of Compassion: Jog Falls, Aug 27, 2025

At Karnataka’s Jog Falls, a Bengaluru businessman arrived intent on ending his life. In those critical moments, an autorickshaw driver and a police officer approached, engaged with empathy, and intervened in time—averting a tragedy. Read the report in The Times of India.

In a parallel report, Police Sub‑Inspector Nagaraj counselled a cloth trader at the same location and ensured his safe return—a powerful example of LIFELINE in action. Read more in The Hans India.

Why LIFELINE Matters

• Look & Engage: The autorickshaw driver didn’t just pass by—he noticed, cared, and engaged.
• Immediate Risk Assessment: Responders assessed urgency and acted quickly.
• Empathize & Validate: Calm, caring presence created a safer space.
• Navigate Supports & Link Resources: Intervention connected the individual back to hope and help.

How You Can Use LIFELINE

• Learn the steps—they’re simple but powerful.
• Be present—notice someone’s pain, even if they don’t reach out.
• Start the conversation—“Hey, are you okay? I’m here to listen.”
• Offer a safety net—help make plans, connect them to help, and check back in.

Final Thoughts

Sometimes, simply being there is enough to change a life. LIFELINE turns that truth into action. Your awareness, empathy, and follow‑through can be the spark that saves a life. Let’s spread LIFELINE—because every human moment matters.

Further Reading

• Bengaluru bizman goes to Jog Falls looking for an end point, but finds compassion instead – The Times of India