Prevention of metropolitan and railway suicide
Railway suicides account for less than 10% of all suicides and are considered a major public health issue because of their consequences for the operation of the transportation system and their deteriorating impact on staff and bystanders. Behaviour patterns include jumping, lying, wandering, and deviant behaviour prodromal to the attempt. Case fatality is 90% of all attempts (railway) or circa 60% (metro). Victims are predominately male and young, with a median age stratum in the range of 25–34 years. The weekly distribution shows a peak at the beginning of the week and a low on weekends. Preventive measures include inhibiting access to the track (e.g. barriers at places of advanced risk or surveillance systems), inhibiting media coverage, or education of gatekeepers to increase awareness, and skilfulness in contact with vulnerable subjects. Railway suicide prevention is a realistic option; however, further research is urgently needed.