Sure. That can happen and it sucks if it wasn't needed. But it can be much more devastating when the person who DOES need to be committed does not get help. It's impossible to make that call as a coworker, that is why you ask the ER to evaluate.
yeah, I had to drive a friend exhibiting psychosis signs to the ER a few years ago (they did not want to go) and later learned this saved their life. It's not always even caused by stress or mental health issues. this case isn't so clear cut and it's stupid hard to deal with because it's at work.