Medical Orderly Hailed as Hero After Rooftop Rescue at San

Medical Orderly Hailed as Hero After Rooftop Rescue at San Fernando General Hospital

Medical orderly Peter Garcia is being praised as a hero after he intervened to save the life of a man who climbed onto the rooftop of a building at the San Fernando General Hospital last Wednesday.

Video footage of the dramatic rescue, which circulated widely on social media, showed Garcia calmly engaging the distressed man before physically restraining and pulling him to safety. The incident unfolded over nearly 45 tense minutes.

Garcia, 55, said he was grateful to God for being able to help save a life. As he went about his work following the incident, several passers-by recognised him, stopping to pat him on the back and commend his bravery and compassion.

A father of four and grandfather of two, Garcia said that while he was on the rooftop, his only focus was persuading the man to come down safely.

“When the situation reached a critical point, I had to act,” he said. “The only thing on my mind was saving his life.”

According to a statement issued by the South-West Regional Health Authority on Saturday, the incident occurred on January 28 at approximately 4.15 p.m. The man involved had been discharged from the hospital earlier that afternoon but later exited the ward, accessed an unauthorised area, and climbed onto the rooftop of an adjoining building.

The statement said Garcia, with the assistance of security officers and other staff members, secured and removed the individual from the area. The man was then taken to the hospital’s Emergency Department for evaluation and subsequently discharged.

Garcia, described as soft-spoken with a gentle disposition, said he felt physically and emotionally drained after the ordeal.

“After everything was over, I was extremely exhausted. I kept thinking, ‘What just happened here?’ Then I said, ‘Thank you, God—we saved a life,’” he recalled.

Recounting the moments that led him to the rooftop, Garcia said he noticed a commotion while passing by and immediately went to investigate.

“He kept saying he was fed up. He didn’t want food or money—he just wanted to be left alone and end his life,” Garcia said. “I was not about to leave him and let that happen.”

He said the man was close to falling, forcing him to grab hold and prevent him from plunging.

“We couldn’t lose him. It was all about giving this person another chance,” he said.

Although Garcia has no formal training in crisis negotiation, he credits his background in scouting, cadets, and youth camps for helping him remain calm under pressure. During the encounter, he said he spoke openly with the man, sharing personal experiences to build trust.

“Even though I was frightened, it was important to help him,” Garcia said. “Everybody has been there. I know what it feels like to be alone and unappreciated. I don’t want that for anyone.”

Garcia, an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys hiking and swimming, said he has previously helped rescue people from drowning and has intervened in fights when he felt it was safe to do so.

“Things happen, and instinctively I try to help,” he said. “Once there is no weapon involved, I will help.”

He urged those experiencing emotional pain or distress to seek both human and spiritual support.

“The world needs more love, care, and understanding,” Garcia said. “Find someone to talk to—even a stranger. If no one wants to listen, seek God’s face and talk to Him. Once you see a new day, that’s a chance to start over.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, contact the 24-Hour Suicide Prevention Hotline at 800-COPE (2673).

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