Mental Health Crisis
A mental health crisis exists when someone is threatening harm to himself/herself or to others, or is out of touch with reality. Do not expect reasoned behavior from the affected person. Be prepared for the unusual and sudden behavior. When a mental health crisis exists:
- Get to a safe place.
- Remain calm.
- Call Public Safety at 3177. Provide the following information:
- Your name.
- Your exact location, including building, floor and room.
- Behavior that you have observed.
- Presence of a weapon or means of suicide.
- Know the difference between a suicide threat and a suicide attempt. A suicide threat occurs when someone articulates a desire to commit suicide or verbally contemplates suicide. A suicide attempt occurs when someone engages in behavior intended to cause their death
- Identity and description of the person involved.
- Until assistance arrives, be pleasant but firm with the person in crisis.
- Do not be confrontational or attempt to detain the person if they are combative or violent.
- Do not introduce others into the situation until professional assistance arrives, even if the person in crisis requests/demands the presence of others.