Concerns for the welfare of a man on the cliffs off Military Road near Brighstone led to a large emergency response late this afternoon (Monday).
Police, paramedics and coastguards rushed to Military Road at just gone 17:00, amid concerns for an individual.
HM Coastguard paged Ventnor Coastguard Rescue Team and Needles Coastguard Rescue Team to the scene, to the west of Isle of Wight Pearl.
The Isle of Wight Ambulance Service mobilised an ambulance with Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary deploying numerous officers.
Island Echo understands 2 young women stopped to provide initial assistance, ahead of the arrival of the emergency services.
The situation was brought to a positive conclusion by 18:15, with the male conveyed to St Mary’s Hospital for the appropriate assessment and treatment.
If you are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, you can call The Samaritans in confidence on 116 123. Help is at hand when you need it - you don’t have to be suicidal to get in touch.
Whilst I understand the need for rapid, effective intervention to prevent a tragedy, why on earth would so many emergency staff be needed. In particular, what were the “numerous” police officers deployed all doing. Was there nothing else that needed policing on the Island? Most people understand the difficulties caused by low police numbers but they do not help their case by sending far more officers to one incident than could posssibly be required. The control room must be mad to do this. Perhaps Ms Jones would like to ask some questions of the Chief Constable – isn;t that what Police and Crime Commissioners are there for, to hold the Chief Constable to account?