Suicidal behaviour and suicide from the Clifton Suspension Bridge, Bristol and surrounding area in the UK: 1994-2003

Abstract

Background: Little is known about the characteristics of people who die by jumping from different locations (e.g. bridges, buildings) and the factors that might influence the effectiveness of suicide prevention measures at such sites.

Methods: We collected data on suicides by jumping (n = 134) between 1994 and 2003 in Bristol, UK, an area that includes the Clifton Suspension Bridge, a site renowned for suicide. We also carried out interviews with Bridge staff and obtained records of fatal and non-fatal incidents on the bridge (1996-2005) before and after preventive barriers were installed in 1998.

Results: The main sites from which people jumped were bridges (n = 71); car parks (n = 12); cliffs (n = 20) and places of residence (n = 20). People jumping from the latter tended to be older than those jumping from other sites; people jumping from different sites did not differ in their levels of past self-harm or current psychiatric care. As previously reported, suicides from the bridge halved after the barriers were erected; people jumping from the Clifton Suspension Bridge following their construction were more likely to have previously self-harmed and to have received specialist psychiatric care. The number of incidents on the bridge did not decrease after barriers were installed but Bridge staff reported that the barriers 'bought time', making intervention possible.

Conclusion: There is little difference in the characteristics of people jumping from different locations. Barriers may prevent suicides among people at lower risk of repeat self-harm. Staff at suicide hotspots can make an important contribution to the effectiveness of installations to prevent suicide by jumping.