Dramatic rescue image: Sheriff’s office social post shows what went into efforts to help person in distress

For many people in Santa Cruz County, Wednesday afternoon represented a gigantic traffic snafu and headache.

But for those at the frontlines of the incident that resulted in a two-hour-plus gridlock-heavy commute somewhere around the area, there were dramatic, potentially life-altering consequences at play.

The Santa Cruz Sheriff’s Office posted the visual evidence and explanation of all the different entities that combined on the effort to help a person that ended up dangling atop the La Fonda overpass above Highway 1.

The post reads:

There is no sugar coating this, yesterday was hard.

Mental Health is not talked about enough, but it is seen every day by our deputies and yesterday it was seen by much of the county.

We want every person to know this -- we care about you, we care about your safety and when you feel alone we will always be there for you whether it’s just to talk, or give you comfort, we are here.

We also want to highlight every rescuer who rushed to be by that person’s side until they were out of harm’s way. Deputies, our mental health liaisons, California Highway Patrol, counselors, Santa Cruz and Central Fire Departments -- all were there at the drop of a hat because we care.

Mental Health is real, and there is help. If you or someone you know is struggling — don’t try to hide it or struggle alone — reach out for help.

• 24-hour Suicide Crisis Line 1-877-663-5433
• http://health.co.santa-cruz.ca.us/.../CrisisInterventionT...
• Text 741741 to reach a Crisis Counselor

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