It was a strange and unsettling moment in the early morning hours at the Hilltop Fire Station on 17th Street. Just after 1 a.m., a man appeared at the station carrying a hatchet—alarming first responders and prompting immediate action.
But what began as a potentially dangerous situation quickly revealed something deeper: a cry for help. Medics on the scene recognized that the man was likely experiencing a drug-induced mental health crisis and quickly called in the Quick Response Team (QRT), a specialized unit trained to handle exactly this kind of emergency.
Within ten minutes, help arrived. Instead of confrontation, there was conversation. The man expressed a desire to seek treatment, and ultimately left the station voluntarily with a member of the QRT to begin his journey toward recovery.
How You Can Help Someone in Crisis:
- Know the Signs: Sudden erratic behavior, disorientation, or aggressive actions can be signs of a mental health or substance use crisis.
- Stay Calm, Stay Safe: If you’re not trained, don’t try to intervene physically. Instead, keep a safe distance and call for help.
- Call the Right Resources: In Scioto County, the Quick Response Team can be activated by first responders. For the public, the Scioto County Crisis Hotline is available at 740-354-1010.
- Listen Without Judgment: Sometimes, just letting someone talk can help de-escalate the moment and guide them toward help.
- Be an Advocate: Support efforts in your community to fund and expand QRT programs and mental health resources.
This incident could have ended much differently—but thanks to quick thinking and compassionate care, it became a story of hope.