Suicide Calls Triple for Firefighters

0:00On April 24, suicide-related calls to fire and rescue services in England have tripled over the last decade. New data shows 3,250 incidents in the year ending, September 2025, that's about 62 a week. Back in 2009 to 2010, it was just 9 and 97. Samaritans is pushing hard for mandatory training for firefighters, who often hit the scene first during these crises. They need skills to intervene fast, but right now there's no required prep for handling suicidal situations. Firefighters like Mark, who's been on the job almost 20 years in the West Midlands, say these calls are way more common now. He handled five just last year, and the stress builds up waiting for backup while trying to act. Suicide numbers in England hit 5,717 in 2024, up 61 from the year before and climbing since, 2017. Police recruits now get protected time for this training, and Samaritans send an open letter to Fire Minister Samantha Dixon asking for the same four firefighters.

1:06With fire calls dropping thanks to prevention efforts, folks hope the same push can cut these tragedies. Firefighters are opening up about the mental toll, aiming to break barriers and give people help sooner.