How to save a life...

So, something that I've never been able to understand is the concept of suicide. I have never felt pain or been hurt to the point of wanting to end my life, and I imagine that I never will. I can't understand how anyone (especially someone who believes in God) would want to end their life here in exchange for an eternity in Hell.
I have recently been confronted by someone who told me he was going to end his life. At first I had no idea how to respond to what he said. To be completely honest, I was scared. everything within me was hoping that it was just another joke, but when he handed me his phone, and asked me to call his family and inform them about what he was planning on doing. I got it. I knew he wasn't kidding, and I reacted, which is very unlike me. I usually allow people to deal with their own problems because, it doesn't affect me. I've realized that I need to stop worrying about myself so much, and give other people the time of day that they deserve. The good news is that the guy that told me he wanted to end his life is still alive, but he's still struggling. He called me from the hospital tonight and told me that he is going to spend the night in the ICU. He sounded like he was scared to death, all he wanted was to talk to someone. He sounded ashamed, and that broke my heart. I wanted to be there with him; I wanted to give him a hug and tell him that everything is going to be alright. Tonight was the first time I've cried in a long time.
The tears I cried tonight were not sad tears. In fact, I'm not quite sure what kind of tears they were. Maybe sypathetic? Maybe happiness? More than likely they were tears of relief. I feel a certian sense of peace with the situation now that he's being helped. Trying to help him by myself was too big of a burden, and I am so relieved to not have to worry about it anymore.
Even though dealing with this situation was one of the hardest things that I've ever had to do; I am very glad that it happened to me. Through all of this I have learned a lot about myself, and about other people. I've learned how do love people that I have nothing in common with, and I've learned that I am not as strong as I thought I was. I've learned how do deal with conflict ( or at least I'm better at it now ). And I think most importantly of all, I've learned to trust God above everything else in my life. I recently told God that I am done trying to do things my own way, and that I am willing to live completely for Him....And I know that decision made this weekend a lot easier. I just hope that everything will be ok for the the guy in the ICU....I hope by stopping him, I saved his life.