Prevent Suicides by Targeting Suicide “Hot Spots”

Public sites that offer suicide means (e.g., bridges) or seclusion (e.g., woods, car parks) may draw suicidal individuals to them. In a meta-analysis of 18 studies, researchers examined interventions designed to decrease suicide in these “hot spots” by restricting access to means (e.g., constructing barriers), increasing help seeking (e.g., installation of crisis telephones), or improving the likelihood of intervention (e.g., cameras, increased police presence). Some interventions combined several elements.

Overall, mean suicides annually decreased from 5.8 before the interventions to 2.4 afterwards. Means restriction (11 studies of this intervention alone; 2 of combined interventions) was most effective in reducing suicide, with a pooled in…