What to do in an emergency situation
Take action immediately
If a young person is at immediate risk of acting on suicidal urges, has already taken steps to harm themselves, or you are unable to keep them safe, take immediate action.
Call 999 or take them to A&E. The NHS clearly states that a mental health emergency should be taken as seriously as a physical one. If someone is at risk of ending their life, it needs to be treated as seriously as any other life-threatening situation.
Remember, acting fast in these situations can make a significant difference. It's important to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of a young person - seeking help is a responsible and compassionate response.
Call 999 or take them to A&E. The NHS is clear that a mental health emergency should be taken as seriously as a physical one. You will not be wasting anyone’s time.
Steps to take in an emergency
Stay calm
Don't overreact or under-react. You may not feel it inside, but seeing you react calmly can help create a sense of stability and safety for a young person, and reduce the level of distress they feel.
Stay with them
If a young person is in danger, do not leave them alone. Stay with them or make immediate arrangements for someone responsible to be with them.
Remove any potential means of harm
Remove any risk - take away medications, sharp objects and anything harmful.
Help them get to a safe place and make sure someone responsible is available to support them.
Call 999 or take them to A&E
Get help immediately from emergency services if a young person is at risk of harm and you aren't able to keep them safe.
It's not about getting someone into trouble; it's about utilising the resources available to keep them safe. The police can collaborate with other emergency services for a comprehensive response.
Be persistent and advocate for the young person
A&E can be busy so you may not be seen immediately. But don’t let this put you off. Your young person needs urgent help. Stay with them and speak up for them. Stick to your instinct and advocate for a young person's needs.
Don't do this alone
There is professional support available so make sure you reach out. The CALM helpline is open 5pm-midnight every day and our team is there to help you navigate this situation. Find more support here.
Creating a safety plan
After the crisis has passed creating a safety plan can help keep someone safe if suicidal thoughts and feelings come up again. The resource on this page will help you understand what a safety plan is so you can use it with a young person who is at risk of suicide and complete it with them.