By Jill Torres, CCEMTP/NREMTP
Every call that an emergency provider responds to has the risk of being dangerous and responding to possible patients who are suicidal are no exception.
We as providers need to be cognizant of patients that have behavioral or psychological issues. Some tips in handling the suicidal patient are:
1) Your safety and your partner’s safety
Often times we respond to calls and do not get the full picture or ride in with the imaginary blinders on. Our personal safety will and should always be our top priority in dealing with any patient.
2) Take them seriously
Any patient who states they want to commit or complete a suicide should always be taken seriously. They may have been thinking about it for a long period of time or it may be a rash, hasty decision and they are looking for someone to help them. Not all cries for help are obvious and we have to be alert to changes in the status of our patients.
3) Listen
Your patient, once comfortable with you, will want to talk. They may only want to talk with you. Listen to what they are saying. By actually listening, you will make a conscious effort to concentrate on them and their message. This will make your patient feel as though they are important and that someone is understanding them.
4) Take action
Get your patient to the most suitable facility for additional treatment and counseling. We as care providers have minimal training when dealing with psychological emergencies. We need to make sure that our patients realize that we will not be sworn to secrecy and we will follow through with getting them help.
Jill Torres is a Nationally Registered Paramedic for the Town of Salem Fire and Rescue Department and a Certified Critical Care Paramedic. She has presented suicide-related educational sessions at EMS conferences and is the president of EMS Trendsetters.