Brandon Tubek, paramedic for Community EMS

I have so much respect for emergency medical technicans and paramedics. They see so much on a daily basis that I cannot even imagine.

My friend Brandon Tubek, a paramedic for Community EMS, said one of the worst calls he ever has to respond to is for a possible suicide.

It's not the blood or the gruesome ways people take their lives that make suicides the worst calls  though. Brandon said it's seeing the family members' reactions as they first see the body of their son or daughter, brother or sister, husband or wife. That's the "worst thing in the world," he said.

Brandon recently responded to the suicide of a young man in the Novi area. He said he and the other responders worked for an hour, trying to revive his lifeless body.

"His parents stood by — helpless — all while knowing it was futile," said Brandon.

For anyone who thinks, "No one will miss me if I'm gone," Brandon can say firsthand that this isn't true.

If you are considering suicide — imagine being a fly on the wall as your family and friends find your body. Maybe that will make you rethink the decision.

"Most of the time, the family has no idea there was even a hint of a problem. So they feel such guilt. The faces of the parents is something that is forever burnt into my mind. It always makes me think of my mom and dad," Brandon said.

"If you know someone who seems depressed, especially around the holidays, talk to them and make sure they know that people care or get them the help they need. ... If this helps one single person, then I have done my job."

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, call Common Ground's 24/7 hotline at 800-231-1127 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.