'I don't want you to die tonight'
Iain Lee saves a man’s life after radio show caller reveals suicide attempt live on air
The TalkRADIO presenter sobbed as he was told the man, known only as Chris, had been found alive by paramedics
IAIN Lee saved a man's life after he revealed live on radio that he was dying in the street after taking an overdose.
The talkRADIO presenter kept him on the phone for 30 minutes while medics rushed to help.
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Known only as Chris, the caller told Iain he was suffering from PTSD and didn't want to live any longer.
He drifted in and out of consciousness leaving - and his listeners - fearing for the worst.
Iain, who fronts a show called Late Night Alternative between 10pm and 1am, broke down in tears when he was told emergency services had reached the suicidal man just in time.
He tweeted followers after the incident on Wednesday night: "F**k, that was intense and upsetting."
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Chris was eventually discovered by a police officer who had been given a location and description of the man by Iain's producer.
He was taken to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth by South Western Ambulance Service where he spent the night receiving treatment.
During the worrying call, host Iain told him: "Tell you what, Chris - I don't want you to die tonight. 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.
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"I don't want you to die tonight because I love you. I love you, brother. I love you.
"Someone's going to come and help you."
On Twitter afterwards Iain, who appeared on last year's I'm a Celebrity, wrote: "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**k, that was intense and upsetting.
"I really hope he makes it."
He received a reply from Inspector Kev Morley of Devon and Cornwall Police who thanked the host for his help.
Kev said: "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," he tweeted.
"And thanks to you for the part you played. We all have a role to play in supporting those that are struggling."
A SWASFT spokesman said: "Paramedics were called at 11pm, December 19 to Derry’s Cross, Plymouth by a radio station who were concerned for the welfare of a patient.
"The male patient was treated at the scene and taken onto Derriford Hospital ED for further treatment."
The Sun Online has contacted Derriford Hospital for comment.
- If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans on (free) 116 123
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