Local first responders once again proved they’re ready to step in when residents need them most.
Police were alerted after a man with a brain injury walked away from Southern Ohio Medical Center (SOMC) against medical advice. Officers immediately began searching the Jackson Avenue area, patrolling streets in an effort to locate him before his condition worsened.
A short time later, the man turned up at his daughter-in-law’s home, where he began to argue about returning to the hospital. That’s when officers and the Portsmouth Fire Department medics worked together to safely get him back to SOMC for the treatment he needed.
Situations like this highlight the constant, behind-the-scenes work of local police and fire crews. From checking neighborhoods and calming tense family situations to arranging medical care, they serve as the first line of defense in protecting the community’s most vulnerable.
Thanks to their persistence and teamwork, a man in crisis was returned to the care he needed — another example of why residents can count on Portsmouth’s first responders.
📞 When to Call for Help if a Loved One Leaves the Hospital
- Immediate danger? Call 911. If someone’s medical condition puts them or others at risk, don’t wait.
- Check nearby locations first. Often, people return to familiar spots — home, a friend’s, or a relative’s.
- Stay calm and avoid confrontation. Let professionals step in if the person resists returning.
- Provide details. Share a description, medical condition, and possible destinations with dispatchers.
- Trust first responders. Police and EMS are trained to handle medical and emotional crises safely.