Suicidal Patient

Role of QAS

People thinking about suicide are usually uncertain about acting on their

thoughts, but may be feeling overwhelmed, distressed and hopeless,

so it is important for first responders to ask the person directly if they are

feeling suicidal or if they are thinking about ending their own life.

The main principles to consider when speaking with someone who is suicidal are:

• Safety for everyone on scene, including the person experiencing

suicide crisis and attending Officers and every effort should be made to keep the scene safe for everyone.

• Be clear in communication, use active listening, validate the person’s feelings and perspectives, respect their position and circumstances;

• Tell the person you care and can help them at this time;

Gather important information about their situation, including:

- If the person has engaged in any activities to harm themselves

then this must be addressed accordingly;

- If the person is under the influence of drugs and alcohol,

then this can be seen to compromise their decision making

capacities;

- Does the person wish to end their own life;

- Does the person have access to weapons or means of

ongoing self harm;

- What current problems is the person facing;

- What factors have contributed to the difficulties the person

is facing;

- Does the person have a history of suicide attempts or thoughts;

- Who is available to help the person;

- What resources are available to them;

- What they believe will be helpful at this time.

Taking time to listen to the person, engage in empathic conversations through active listening and being interested in the person and their circumstances is the most helpful thing to a person in a suicide crisis.