A suicide hotspot is a location which has gained a reputation based on a number of suicides that have occurred there.
Suicide Method
Location
jumping from a height
building, bridge, cliff
being struck by a train
subway, train tracks
driving a car
off a bridge or cliff; into a structure
any
secluded or remote location
Factors impacting the choice of location:
(1) high profile coverage in media
(2) famous location
(3) accessible
A study of railway-related suicides identified proximity to a mental health facility as a risk factor (Debbaut et al).
More effective ways to reduce suicides at a hotspot:
(1) erect physical barriers
(2) restrict access
Other interventions:
(1) placement of signs and telephones to suicide hot-line (passive)
(2) personnel to monitor the location (active)
(3) responsible media reporting
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Specialty: Clinical Laboratory
